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

  

As I was doing my daily Bible reading, I ran across an idea that made me think. In light of the “Purpose-Driven” ideas it occurs to me that God acts in different ways to different people. Some people (as in Jeremiah 1:5) are given specific tasks. Other people, like Baruch in Jeremiah 45 are given the lee way to do a number of things. Each has the promise of the presence of God. Each has the potential for God’s glory.

I hope the following can be useful to you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Baruch, De-Scribed

Jeremiah 45

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

1. If you had to choose one of the following to be with 24/7 for a month, who would it be and why?

• journalist
• TV personality
• missionary
• park ranger
• Olympic Gold Medalist
• salesman
• policeman
• therapist

2. If you could go anywhere and do anything, where would you go, what would you do?

Study

Please read Jeremiah 45 and discuss the following:

1. Jeremiah prophesied and saw the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians. Baruch was his “secretary” or “scribe.” He wrote only what Jeremiah spoke. What do you think this says about the character of Baruch, especially in light of the coming devastation?

2. What do you think caused Baruch to be so discouraged?

3. In your opinion, what caused God to “uproot” his people?

4. Jeremiah had a God-given mission (see Jeremiah 1.5). It appears that Baruch does not, but God assures him of his presence and protection.

• What are the advantages of each situation?
• What are the disadvantages?
• Do you think God has a specific mission for each and every one of us (like Jeremiah) or do you think he allows some of us to make our own way as Baruch?

5. Why do you think Baruch is told not to seek “great things for himself”?

6. When do you think we need to seek “great things” and when do we need not to?

7. What do you think God means by his promise to Baruch in v. 5C?

Apply

Please share your responses to the following:

1. What things wear you out? How does this affect your relationship to God?

2. When you feel fatigue, what promises of God do you hold to? How have these made a difference for you?

3. Are you ambitious to seek great things or content to walk with God without the limelight? (See Philippians 4.11-13). Why?

As a class leader; teacher; or small group leader you know that your task is bigger than the Book. Your task involves the encouragement of your class or group members as well as Bible knowledge. People primarily attend a groups or a class because of who is in it. We either have friends in the group or think we can make friends there. So, how can we create a sense of community within our group or class?

• Communicate the Need for Community. Tell your members that in addition to Bible study, your Class/Group is going to help in building Christian relationships. Isn’t it exciting to know that the relationships we build in our church will last forever?
• Change up your Style of Teaching. The worst teaching style is the one we use all of the time. Lecture has its place and so does discussion. In developing relationships, open-ended questions help us express ourselves.
• Use Effective Ice-Breakers. I like to have groups answer one or two questions at the beginning of each lesson which help the group to get to know one another as well as set the stage for the lesson. As people reveal themselves to the group, we are more able to understand “where we are coming from.”
• Pray Together. Be sure to take prayer requests in your Group/Class. A good way to end the formal time together is prayer. Again, our prayer requests show our needs.
• Have a Party. Josh Hunt (joshhunt.com) encourages Groups to have monthly fellowship activities. In fact, he says to “invite every member and every prospect to every fellowship every month.” Fellowship builds relationships and becomes a tool for outreach at the same time.
• Be Open. As a leader, find opportunities to tell your story and encourage others to tell theirs. There is something very powerful about sharing the innermost parts of our lives.
• Minister. A huge way of building community is to serve together. Service can take any form and much good can be done for the served. The servers, however, always benefit more. One of the benefits is the unique tie that comes as a result of serving together.

These are a few ways to build community within adult groups. As community is built, people become more and more aware of one another. They learn to trust and be trustworthy. The unity that Jesus describes (John 17) is formed.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A Preacher decided to experiment with changing some sad statistics in his church. He made a list of 12 people who had recently been baptized in their church, and then he and his wife invited them over. Naturally, these new Christians were thrilled to be invited to their Preacher’s house. They were excited about their new connection with the Lord and with His Church.

After supper the Preacher sat down with this group of enthusiastic new Christians — and he asked them an unexpected question. He asked if they would like for him to predict their futures for the next 2 or 3 years.

They were a little surprised at that offer, but they all said “yes”
— so, the Preacher made this prediction: “As I look at the 12 of you, I must predict, that … statistically speaking — in the next 2 or 3 years —

2 of your marriages will break up — and your feelings of shame will cause you to leave the church
3 of you will have conflict with someone in the church and you, also, will leave the church
1 of you will experience tragedy and lose faith. You, too will leave the church.
2 of you will have some sort of moral failing and will leave the church.
2 of the 4 remaining will simply lose interest and drift away from the church … for no obvious reason.

In two or three years, out of this group of 12 …

• … only 2 of you will still be attending church —
• — and only 1 of you will still be attending THIS church.

There was dead silence in the room. All these wide-eyed new Christians looked around at each other as if to say, “How could that happen to us?”

Finally, one of them spoke up and asked, “What can we do to change those statistics?”

The Preacher was waiting to hear that question. He had his answer ready. He said, “You can get together and as a group decide that you are not going to let anyone go.”

That is exactly what they did.

These strangers — who had never been together until that gathering at the Preacher’s home — formed themselves into a Small Group. Week by week they came to really KNOW each other. They supported each other through the tragedies, divorces, conflicts, and moral failings. In 4 years of meeting together, only 1 person left the church. That small caring group changed the Statistics from losing 10 out of 12 to losing only 1 out of 12.

What are your priorities? Do you want to GROW as a Christian? Do you want to show LOVE to others? Taking time to meet with a Small Group is one of the best ways to make progress in your Christian life.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

We can easily see the value of a Leader who will contact his/her group each week; pray for group members; study; and lead the group discussions. However, the apprentice plays a vital role in group’s growth and multiplication. The apprentice gains experience with the leader and when the group grows large enough, he/she will lead the new group that is established from the initial group.

To provide the necessary experience, the group leader can delegate responsibilities to the apprentice. Not only does this provide important experience, it helps the leader avoid burnout. The group leader then leads the group, and also becomes a trainer for the apprentice. This follows the 2 Timothy 2:2 pattern.

If you are leading a small group, be sure you have an apprentice/co-leader. Give the apprentice opportunities to gain experience and grow. As your group grows, assist the apprentice in leading the new group. Then find a new apprentice. Keep passing the baton!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

It is true that Luke records some numbers in the book of Acts. That seems to be something that a Physician/Historian would do. Certain numbers, like weight and temperature, can tell us things about the health of a patient (or a church body).

Think about the flipside. David took a census in Israel after he was told not to. He was punished for his disobedience. A danger was that the nation could have looked at their own strength in numbers instead of looking to God. It was not the best thing.

What if (I always like to think in terms of what could be) we stopped counting attendance? Would we stop feeling so secure in our numbers? Would we shift our attention to people? Would we check on absentees? Would we be better motivated to fill empty seats with new people? Would our source of security be our God?

How large was the church in Corinth? Ephesus? Philippi? Jesus gave some criticisms regarding the “Seven Churches of Asia” (which, by the way are no longer with us). Not once did he criticize them for low numbers — there are bigger issues.

My challenge is for us to see past the numbers. See the people. Look to our God. This is not just about, “How many?” it is about, “Who?”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (greene.perry@gmail.com)

The reason I got the fruit at Christmas was because my parents always got apples and oranges for Christmas when they were young. They grew up in a much less affluent time. Fresh fruit was a huge treat for them.

When my parents bought gifts for their kids, they included apples and oranges because it brought back happy memories of special treats. So, when I saw the oranges, I suddenly had a craving for the “old days” even though, fresh fruit is prevalent and not quite the treat of long ago.

We can do similar things in the church. Do we ever look back to the “good ol’ days” with fond memories? Don’t we want to recreate those things because those memories make us happy and secure today? Maybe those things originally had a particular purpose. Maybe “two songs and a prayer” gave us a sense of “order out of chaos.” Maybe the way we conducted a Bible Class was effective. Maybe a Visitation Program was fruitful.

One of the challenges about church work is finding successful methods in every generation without compromising the integrity of the gospel. There are lines we do not cross. There are truths we are to always uphold. But, “times are a-changin’.”

There is nothing wrong with my buying a bag of oranges for Christmas. There is nothing wrong with many of the things we have done in the past. Our challenge is to be able to be more efficient and effective in our methods of reaching and serving people — without compromising the gospel.

David had a group of men from Issachar who had, “understanding of the times” according to 1 Chronicles 12.32. What are the modern times teaching us? What methods can we use today to share the good news to people who hunger for it?

Your Bible Class may want to explore new ideas. Your Small Group may be a new idea in the making. What worked in the past may not work today. The souls of people matter too much to neglect the times and what is effective today.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (perry.greene@southyukon.org)

The second survey asked Americans to identify what they most wanted out of life. An overwhelming 75% indicated, “Having close, personal relationships.” Apparently, we want friends but we often fail to express our gratitude for them. Maybe expressing an appreciation for the friends we have will enhance our friendships and the making of friends.

When people come to our Groups and Classes, one of the things they are looking for is friendship. They may like the teacher and the topic of study, but they are there to make friends and find a place to belong.

Fellowship opportunities are important to the building up and maintaining of a Class or Small Group.  Josh Hunt encourages monthly fellowships in which we invite every member and every prospective member to attend. If we can get them to the party, they will come to class.

Take time for friendship-building opportunities.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene (perry.greene@southyukon.org)

Before we got there, however, we had to say good-bye to our former church.  I have always hated good-byes.  I grew up as a Navy brat and made frequent moves.  I usually had made a good friend or two about the time we had to move.  As a Minister, I have had a similar experience.  Hopefully I have learned a lesson or two from the last good bye.

One of the things that struck me so hard in our good-bye was the outpouring of affection we received.  You always think there is time to tell people how you feel about them and then suddenly time is up.  We received such warm regards that we could not believe it.  At the same time, we felt the need for reciprocation but were out of time.  This time I want to appreciate people and TELL them.  I may say it face to face, I may write a card or an e-mail but I intend to be sure I give honor to whom honor is due.

A second lesson that I want to learn and do is to invest in PEOPLE.  People are the only lasting parts of creation.  Jesus died for people, not the animals, not the earth, and not even the angels.  It is about people.  He spent at least three years investing himself in the disciples.  Look at the dividends of such an investment — the name of Jesus has been heard all over the world because of the commitment of the twelve, the 120, and then the 3000+. 

I want to follow the example of Jesus and teach the Bible to PEOPLE.  I want to be a Mentor to PEOPLE.  I want to make investments that matter in the eternal long run.

A third lesson that struck me is the value of encouragement.  Scott is one of my friends from my former church.  One of the reasons that I like Scott is because he is a constant source of encouragement.  He is a modern Barnabas.  Whenever I am around him, I feel better about myself.  I want to be that kind of friend to others.  I want to be their cheerleader and source of encouragement.  There is too much to pull us down in the world, I want to pick people up.

The church gave us a going away party the last Sunday we were in town.  The gifts were nice and appreciated.  What I will always remember is the love that was shown to me.  What I have learned is to love others the way Jesus did.

Keep the Light Burning!

Perry