Opening Question: What does Christmas mean to you?
Read Luke 1:26-38 out loud, and then again silently:
26 In the sixth month after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee. 27 He was sent to a virgin. The girl was engaged to a man named Joseph. He came from the family line of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel greeted her and said, "The Lord has given you special favor. He is with you." 29 Mary was very upset because of his words. She wondered what kind of greeting this could be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you. 31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. 33 He will rule forever over his people, who came from Jacob's family. His kingdom will never end." 34 "How can this happen?" Mary asked the angel. "I am a virgin." 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High God will cover you. So, the Holy One that is born will be called the Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is old. And even she is going to have a child. People thought she could not have children. But she has been pregnant for six months now. 37 Nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I serve the Lord," Mary answered. "May it happen to me just as you said it would." Then the angel left her.
Word List:
angel Gabriel – God’s top messenger.
virgin – one who hasn’t had a sexual relationship with the opposite sex.
David & Jacob – two of the famous leaders of Israel.
kingdom – a nation ruled by a king.
Discussion Questions:
1. Who can summarize what is going on in this story?
2. List all the information you can find about God in these verses.
3. How would you feel if you were in Mary’s shoes?
4. What is Mary’s attitude in verse 34? How about in verse 38?
5. Do you have any questions about this story?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
You Must Be Born Again
Opening Question: If you could be born all over again, what kind of person would you like to be?
Read John 3:1-8 out loud as a group, and then again silently by yourselves:
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Word List:
Pharisees – member of the main religious party of Israel 2000 years ago
Rabbi – a spiritual leader and teacher
signs – miracles
kingdom – a group of people who are ruled by a king
womb – where unborn babies develop for 9 months before they are born
flesh – physical life
marvel – to wonder what something might mean
Discussion Questions:
1. Choose 3 people from your group to be the narrator, Nicodemus and Jesus. Now act it out!
2. What do the words “born of water” mean to you? And “born of the Spirit”?
3. When you see the word “king,” what do you think of?
4. Describe your idea of a perfect kingdom.
5. What would be the benefits of letting God become your King?
6. Why does Jesus compare “the wind” with being born again?
7. So, how can people become born again?
Read John 3:1-8 out loud as a group, and then again silently by yourselves:
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Word List:
Pharisees – member of the main religious party of Israel 2000 years ago
Rabbi – a spiritual leader and teacher
signs – miracles
kingdom – a group of people who are ruled by a king
womb – where unborn babies develop for 9 months before they are born
flesh – physical life
marvel – to wonder what something might mean
Discussion Questions:
1. Choose 3 people from your group to be the narrator, Nicodemus and Jesus. Now act it out!
2. What do the words “born of water” mean to you? And “born of the Spirit”?
3. When you see the word “king,” what do you think of?
4. Describe your idea of a perfect kingdom.
5. What would be the benefits of letting God become your King?
6. Why does Jesus compare “the wind” with being born again?
7. So, how can people become born again?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Jesus Heals the Official’s Son
Opening Question: How would you describe the family you grew up in?
Let’s read John 4:43-54
46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
Word List:
Cana of Galilee – a small town in the northern part of the nation of Israel.
Nobleman – someone who is at the highest level of society.
Capernaum – another small town in Galilee.
Judea – the southern part of Israel.
signs and wonders – miracles.
Discussion questions:
1. Who can re-tell last week’s story about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana?
1. How would you re-tell this story?
2. What can we say about the nobleman?
3. What was so miraculous about this story?
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 48?
5. Why is it so hard for some people to believe in miracles?
6. What exactly does it mean to “believe”?
7. What miracle to you wish Jesus would do for you, or for someone else you know?
Let’s read John 4:43-54
46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
Word List:
Cana of Galilee – a small town in the northern part of the nation of Israel.
Nobleman – someone who is at the highest level of society.
Capernaum – another small town in Galilee.
Judea – the southern part of Israel.
signs and wonders – miracles.
Discussion questions:
1. Who can re-tell last week’s story about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana?
1. How would you re-tell this story?
2. What can we say about the nobleman?
3. What was so miraculous about this story?
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 48?
5. Why is it so hard for some people to believe in miracles?
6. What exactly does it mean to “believe”?
7. What miracle to you wish Jesus would do for you, or for someone else you know?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Jesus Changes Water to Wine
Opening Question: If God were to became a man, what would He be like?
Let’s read about Jesus in John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding. It took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Dear woman, why do you bring me into this?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do what he tells you." 6 Six stone water jars stood nearby. The Jews used water from that kind of jar for special washings to make themselves pure. Each jar could hold 20 to 30 gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the top. 8 Then he told them, "Now dip some out. Take it to the person in charge of the dinner." They did what he said. 9 The person in charge tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He didn't realize where it had come from. But the servants who had brought the water knew. Then the person in charge called the groom to one side. 10 He said to him, "Everyone brings out the best wine first. They bring out the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink. But you have saved the best until now!" 11 That was the first of Jesus' miraculous signs. He did it at Cana in Galilee. Jesus showed his glory by doing it. And his disciples put their faith in him.
Discussion questions:
1. What are some observations we can make after reading this story?
2. What could Jesus have meant by, "My time has not yet come"?
3. How might we describe the person in charge of the dinner before and after the miracle?
4. How did changing the water to wine show Jesus' glory?
5. How did the disciples respond to Jesus' miracle, and why is that important?
6. Have you put your faith in Jesus yet? If so, how has he "filled" you with his "best"?
Let’s read about Jesus in John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding. It took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Dear woman, why do you bring me into this?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do what he tells you." 6 Six stone water jars stood nearby. The Jews used water from that kind of jar for special washings to make themselves pure. Each jar could hold 20 to 30 gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the top. 8 Then he told them, "Now dip some out. Take it to the person in charge of the dinner." They did what he said. 9 The person in charge tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He didn't realize where it had come from. But the servants who had brought the water knew. Then the person in charge called the groom to one side. 10 He said to him, "Everyone brings out the best wine first. They bring out the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink. But you have saved the best until now!" 11 That was the first of Jesus' miraculous signs. He did it at Cana in Galilee. Jesus showed his glory by doing it. And his disciples put their faith in him.
Discussion questions:
1. What are some observations we can make after reading this story?
2. What could Jesus have meant by, "My time has not yet come"?
3. How might we describe the person in charge of the dinner before and after the miracle?
4. How did changing the water to wine show Jesus' glory?
5. How did the disciples respond to Jesus' miracle, and why is that important?
6. Have you put your faith in Jesus yet? If so, how has he "filled" you with his "best"?
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Word of God - Part II
Opening Question: If you were God, what would you say to the people of the world?
Read the following verses out loud, and then again silently:
1 In the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through him. Nothing that has been made was made without him. 4 Life was in him, and that life was the light for all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness. But the darkness has not understood it. 6 A man came who was sent from God. His name was John. 7 He came to give witness about that light. He gave witness so that all people could believe. 8 John himself was not the light. He came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 The Word was in the world that was made through him. But the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own. But his own people did not accept him. 12 Some people did accept him. They believed in his name. He gave them the right to become children of God. 13 To be a child of God has nothing to do with human parents. Children of God are not born because of human choice or because a husband wants them to be born. They are born because of what God does. 14 The Word became a human being. He made his home with us. We have seen his glory. It is the glory of the one and only Son. He came from the Father. And he was full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever seen God. But God, the one and only Son, is at the Father's side. He has shown us what God is like.
John 1:1-14,18
Q 1. Circle all the ways in which “the Word” is described by John.
Q 2. What do you think is the connection between Word and light and life?
Q 3. The Word was full of glory, grace and truth. What do these words mean to you?
Q 4. Who is the Word, and how do we know?
Q 5. What does it mean to “believe in the name” of Jesus?
Q 6. How do we “receive” Jesus?
Q 7. Have you received Jesus yet? If so, what difference has that made in your life?
Read the following verses out loud, and then again silently:
1 In the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through him. Nothing that has been made was made without him. 4 Life was in him, and that life was the light for all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness. But the darkness has not understood it. 6 A man came who was sent from God. His name was John. 7 He came to give witness about that light. He gave witness so that all people could believe. 8 John himself was not the light. He came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 The Word was in the world that was made through him. But the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own. But his own people did not accept him. 12 Some people did accept him. They believed in his name. He gave them the right to become children of God. 13 To be a child of God has nothing to do with human parents. Children of God are not born because of human choice or because a husband wants them to be born. They are born because of what God does. 14 The Word became a human being. He made his home with us. We have seen his glory. It is the glory of the one and only Son. He came from the Father. And he was full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever seen God. But God, the one and only Son, is at the Father's side. He has shown us what God is like.
John 1:1-14,18
Q 1. Circle all the ways in which “the Word” is described by John.
Q 2. What do you think is the connection between Word and light and life?
Q 3. The Word was full of glory, grace and truth. What do these words mean to you?
Q 4. Who is the Word, and how do we know?
Q 5. What does it mean to “believe in the name” of Jesus?
Q 6. How do we “receive” Jesus?
Q 7. Have you received Jesus yet? If so, what difference has that made in your life?
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Word of God – Part I
Opening Question: What are some helpful words people need to hear in different situations?
Read: Christians believe the Bible is the Word of God. What do the following verses say about God’s word (also called Scripture)?
How can a young person keep his life pure? By living in keeping with Your word. Psalm 119:9
I have hidden Your word in my heart so that I won't sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me. Psalm 119:105
Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man doesn't live only on bread. He also lives on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4
Heaven and earth will pass away. But My words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35
The word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate joints from bones. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
Q2. What is the purpose of words?
Q3. Can you remember a time when a word helped you? Hurt you?
Q4. Why are words so powerful -- for good or for evil?
Q5. Can you think of some helpful words you can share with someone in your life? If so, plan a time when you will try to share them.
Read: Christians believe the Bible is the Word of God. What do the following verses say about God’s word (also called Scripture)?
How can a young person keep his life pure? By living in keeping with Your word. Psalm 119:9
I have hidden Your word in my heart so that I won't sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me. Psalm 119:105
Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man doesn't live only on bread. He also lives on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4
Heaven and earth will pass away. But My words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35
The word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate joints from bones. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
Q2. What is the purpose of words?
Q3. Can you remember a time when a word helped you? Hurt you?
Q4. Why are words so powerful -- for good or for evil?
Q5. Can you think of some helpful words you can share with someone in your life? If so, plan a time when you will try to share them.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Prayer
Opening question: If you could ask God any question you wanted to ask, what would it be?
Q2. How do we know there’s a God out there somewhere who can listen to us?
Q3. Have you ever prayed to God? If so, what did you pray?
Read and talk about the following words from the Bible about prayer:
Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a stone? Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11
Discuss what the Bible says about unanswered prayer in the following verses:
But your sins have separated you from your God. They have caused him to turn his face away from you. So he won't listen to you. Isaiah 59:2
When you ask for something, you don't receive it. Why? Because you ask for the wrong reason. You want to spend your money on your sinful pleasures. James 4:3
Q4. What are the conditions for answered prayer, according to the following?
There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5
There is one thing we can be sure of when we come to God in prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he wants, he hears us. If we know that God hears what we ask for, we know that we have it. 1 John 5:14,15
Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that he exists. And they must believe that he rewards those who look to him. Hebrews 11:6
Pray for each other in your group.
Q2. How do we know there’s a God out there somewhere who can listen to us?
Q3. Have you ever prayed to God? If so, what did you pray?
Read and talk about the following words from the Bible about prayer:
Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a stone? Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11
Discuss what the Bible says about unanswered prayer in the following verses:
But your sins have separated you from your God. They have caused him to turn his face away from you. So he won't listen to you. Isaiah 59:2
When you ask for something, you don't receive it. Why? Because you ask for the wrong reason. You want to spend your money on your sinful pleasures. James 4:3
Q4. What are the conditions for answered prayer, according to the following?
There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5
There is one thing we can be sure of when we come to God in prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he wants, he hears us. If we know that God hears what we ask for, we know that we have it. 1 John 5:14,15
Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that he exists. And they must believe that he rewards those who look to him. Hebrews 11:6
Pray for each other in your group.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Peace
Opening Question: What do you think of when you see or hear the word PEACE?
Q2. Do you think the world is going to become more peaceful or less in the future?
Q3. What do you think are some of the main enemies of peace between people / nations?
Q4. What are some of the reasons we don’t experience peace in our own lives sometimes?
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
"There is no peace for those who are evil," says the Lord. Isaiah 48:22
Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it. Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it. Psalm 34:14
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Q5. How can we “go after” peace?
Q6. Who is this “child” that Isaiah spoke of, and how can he become our Prince of Peace?
Q7. If Jesus is your Prince of Peace, how does He help you experience peace?
Read and discuss what Jesus said about peace:
I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But cheer up! I have won the battle over the world. John 16:33
How can we have peace, according to the following verses?
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:165
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3
Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
Q2. Do you think the world is going to become more peaceful or less in the future?
Q3. What do you think are some of the main enemies of peace between people / nations?
Q4. What are some of the reasons we don’t experience peace in our own lives sometimes?
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
"There is no peace for those who are evil," says the Lord. Isaiah 48:22
Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it. Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it. Psalm 34:14
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Q5. How can we “go after” peace?
Q6. Who is this “child” that Isaiah spoke of, and how can he become our Prince of Peace?
Q7. If Jesus is your Prince of Peace, how does He help you experience peace?
Read and discuss what Jesus said about peace:
I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But cheer up! I have won the battle over the world. John 16:33
How can we have peace, according to the following verses?
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:165
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3
Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
Friday, September 11, 2009
Appologies
Opening Question: Have you ever had to use one of the following expressions, and why? 1) Pardon me, 2) Excuse me, 3) I’m sorry, 4) Forgive me, 5) I apologize, 6) My fault
Q2. We have all sinned in at least 5 ways -- word, thought, action, omission, motive. Define each one, and give an example.
Read and discuss what the Bible says about sin and forgiveness:
Psalm 32:1-5
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 51:1-5
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just. 5 For I was born a sinner -- yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Q3. What is our responsibility when we sin? And God’s responsibility?
Q4. How is God described in the following Bible verses:
1 John 4:8
God is love.
1 Corinthians 13:5
Love keeps no record of being wronged.
Hebrews 10:17
I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.
Q5. What is the purpose in asking forgiveness from God and others?
Q6. What if someone doesn’t act like they forgive us after we admit our fault to him or her?
Q7. Is there a sin that you need to admit to God and to someone you know?
Q2. We have all sinned in at least 5 ways -- word, thought, action, omission, motive. Define each one, and give an example.
Read and discuss what the Bible says about sin and forgiveness:
Psalm 32:1-5
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 51:1-5
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just. 5 For I was born a sinner -- yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Q3. What is our responsibility when we sin? And God’s responsibility?
Q4. How is God described in the following Bible verses:
1 John 4:8
God is love.
1 Corinthians 13:5
Love keeps no record of being wronged.
Hebrews 10:17
I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.
Q5. What is the purpose in asking forgiveness from God and others?
Q6. What if someone doesn’t act like they forgive us after we admit our fault to him or her?
Q7. Is there a sin that you need to admit to God and to someone you know?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Relationships – Part X
Opening Question: What is the most costly thing you have ever paid for, and how did you feel before you paid the price?
Let’s read about the price God paid, so we could become friends with Him:
He was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us. All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on Him the sins of all of us. Isaiah 53:5,6
No one has greater love than the one who gives His life for His friends. John 15:13
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11
He himself carried our sins in His body on the cross. He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned. Then we would lead godly lives. His wounds have made you whole. 1 Peter 2:24
Christ died for sins once and for all time. The One who did what is right died for those who don't do right. He died to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought Him back to life. 1 Peter 3:18
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16
Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow You!" "What I'm about to tell you is true," Jesus replied. "Has anyone left home or family or fields for Me and the good news? They will receive 100 times as much in this world. They will have homes and families and fields. But they will also be treated badly by others. In the world to come they will live forever." Mark 10:28-30
Discuss the following questions:
1. Does is cost anything to have a relationship with someone?
2. What did it cost God to establish a relationship with us?
3. Why did God go to all the trouble to provide this relationship for us?
4. Does it cost anything to have a relationship with God?
5. What does Jesus promise to those who follow Him?
6. Are you willing to pay the price to follow Jesus all the way?
Let’s read about the price God paid, so we could become friends with Him:
He was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us. All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on Him the sins of all of us. Isaiah 53:5,6
No one has greater love than the one who gives His life for His friends. John 15:13
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11
He himself carried our sins in His body on the cross. He did it so that we would die as far as sins are concerned. Then we would lead godly lives. His wounds have made you whole. 1 Peter 2:24
Christ died for sins once and for all time. The One who did what is right died for those who don't do right. He died to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought Him back to life. 1 Peter 3:18
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16
Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow You!" "What I'm about to tell you is true," Jesus replied. "Has anyone left home or family or fields for Me and the good news? They will receive 100 times as much in this world. They will have homes and families and fields. But they will also be treated badly by others. In the world to come they will live forever." Mark 10:28-30
Discuss the following questions:
1. Does is cost anything to have a relationship with someone?
2. What did it cost God to establish a relationship with us?
3. Why did God go to all the trouble to provide this relationship for us?
4. Does it cost anything to have a relationship with God?
5. What does Jesus promise to those who follow Him?
6. Are you willing to pay the price to follow Jesus all the way?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Relationships – Part IX
Opening Question: Have you ever seen or been around sheep?
Read the following Bible verses:
Isaiah 53:6 (words of the prophet Isaiah)
All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own
way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us.
John 1:29 (words of John the Baptist)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him. John said, "Look! The Lamb of God! He takes
away the sin of the world!"
John 10:11,18 (words of Jesus)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. No one takes it from me. I give it up myself. I have the authority to give it up. And I have the authority to take it back again. I received this command from my Father.
Psalm 23:1-3 (words of King David)
The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff comfort me.
Discuss the following questions:
1. What are some things we know about sheep? And about shepherds?
2. How are people like sheep?
3. How is Jesus like a shepherd?
4. How would you describe the shepherds of John 10 and Psalm 23?
5. What are the benefits of being one of Jesus’ sheep?
6. How can we become one of the Lord’s sheep?
Read the following Bible verses:
Isaiah 53:6 (words of the prophet Isaiah)
All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own
way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us.
John 1:29 (words of John the Baptist)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him. John said, "Look! The Lamb of God! He takes
away the sin of the world!"
John 10:11,18 (words of Jesus)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. No one takes it from me. I give it up myself. I have the authority to give it up. And I have the authority to take it back again. I received this command from my Father.
Psalm 23:1-3 (words of King David)
The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff comfort me.
Discuss the following questions:
1. What are some things we know about sheep? And about shepherds?
2. How are people like sheep?
3. How is Jesus like a shepherd?
4. How would you describe the shepherds of John 10 and Psalm 23?
5. What are the benefits of being one of Jesus’ sheep?
6. How can we become one of the Lord’s sheep?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Relationships – Part VIII
Opening question: How do you become friends with someone, and what are some things we can do to keep the friendship going?
According to the following Bible verses, what do people have to understand before they can become friends with God?
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
1 Timothy 2:5
5 There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus.
Read the following words of Jesus from John 15:9-16
9 Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 have told you this so that my joy will be in you. I also want your joy to be complete. 12 Here is my command. Love each other, just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I do not call you servants anymore. Servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends. I have told you everything I learned from my Father. 16 You did not choose me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.
Discussion questions:
1. What are some of your observations as you re-read these verses?
2. What are some things Jesus says about friendship?
3. What does verse 14 mean to you?
4. What do you think would be some of the advantages of being friends with God?
5. So, how can we start a friendship with God, and keep it going?
According to the following Bible verses, what do people have to understand before they can become friends with God?
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
1 Timothy 2:5
5 There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus.
Read the following words of Jesus from John 15:9-16
9 Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 have told you this so that my joy will be in you. I also want your joy to be complete. 12 Here is my command. Love each other, just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I do not call you servants anymore. Servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends. I have told you everything I learned from my Father. 16 You did not choose me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.
Discussion questions:
1. What are some of your observations as you re-read these verses?
2. What are some things Jesus says about friendship?
3. What does verse 14 mean to you?
4. What do you think would be some of the advantages of being friends with God?
5. So, how can we start a friendship with God, and keep it going?
Friday, August 7, 2009
Relationships – Part VII
Opening Question: Do you think people are basically good or evil?
Genesis 6:5, 12
The Lord saw how bad the sins of man had become on the earth. All of the thoughts in his heart were always directed only toward what was evil. God saw how sinful the earth had become. All of the people on earth were leading very sinful lives.
Jeremiah 17:9, 10
A human heart is more dishonest than anything else. It can't be healed. Who can understand it? The Lord says, “I look deep down inside human hearts. I see what is in people's minds.”
Mark 7:20-23
Jesus went on to say, “What comes out of people makes them “unclean.” Evil thoughts come from the inside, from people's hearts. So do sexual sins, stealing and murder. Adultery, greed, hate and cheating come from people's hearts, too. So do desires that are not pure, and wanting what belongs to others. And so do telling lies about others and being proud and being foolish. All those evil things come from inside a person. They make him “unclean.’ ”
Q 2. What is the main problem of the human race, according to the Bible?
Q 3. What do you think the word “heart” means, as we read in the Bible verses above?
Romans 5:8
But here is how God has shown His love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ didn't have any sin. But God made Him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you new hearts. I will give you a new spirit that is faithful to me. I will remove your stubborn hearts from you. I will give you hearts that obey Me.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come!
Q 4. What does it mean when it says “God made Him become sin” for us?
Q 5. What to you think “the old” and “the new” means?
Q 6. What is the solution to man’s heart problem?
Q 7. What do people have to do to solve the problem of their evil hearts?
Genesis 6:5, 12
The Lord saw how bad the sins of man had become on the earth. All of the thoughts in his heart were always directed only toward what was evil. God saw how sinful the earth had become. All of the people on earth were leading very sinful lives.
Jeremiah 17:9, 10
A human heart is more dishonest than anything else. It can't be healed. Who can understand it? The Lord says, “I look deep down inside human hearts. I see what is in people's minds.”
Mark 7:20-23
Jesus went on to say, “What comes out of people makes them “unclean.” Evil thoughts come from the inside, from people's hearts. So do sexual sins, stealing and murder. Adultery, greed, hate and cheating come from people's hearts, too. So do desires that are not pure, and wanting what belongs to others. And so do telling lies about others and being proud and being foolish. All those evil things come from inside a person. They make him “unclean.’ ”
Q 2. What is the main problem of the human race, according to the Bible?
Q 3. What do you think the word “heart” means, as we read in the Bible verses above?
Romans 5:8
But here is how God has shown His love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ didn't have any sin. But God made Him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you new hearts. I will give you a new spirit that is faithful to me. I will remove your stubborn hearts from you. I will give you hearts that obey Me.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come!
Q 4. What does it mean when it says “God made Him become sin” for us?
Q 5. What to you think “the old” and “the new” means?
Q 6. What is the solution to man’s heart problem?
Q 7. What do people have to do to solve the problem of their evil hearts?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Relationships – Part VI
Opening Question: How would you explain what “sin” is?
Read: Romans 5:12, 14-19, 21
12 Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And death came because of sin. Everyone sinned, so death came to all people. 14 Death ruled from the time of Adam to the time of Moses. Death ruled even over those who did not sin as Adam did. He broke God's command. But he also became a pattern of the one who was going to come. 15 God's gift is different from Adam's sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But it was even more sure that God's grace would also come through one man. That man is Jesus Christ. God's gift of grace was more than enough for the whole world. 16 The result of God's gift is different from the result of Adam's sin. God judged one sin. That brought guilt. But after many sins, God's gift made people right with Him. 17 One man sinned, and death ruled because of his sin. But we are even more sure of what will happen because of what the one man, Jesus Christ, has done. Those who receive the rich supply of God's grace will rule with Christ in His kingdom. They have received God's gift and have been made right with Him. 18 One man's sin brought guilt to all people. So also one right act made all people right with God. And all who are right with God will live. 19 Many people were made sinners because one man did not obey. But one man did obey. That is why many people will be made right with God. 21 Sin ruled because of death. So also grace rules in the lives of those who are right with God. The grace of God brings eternal life because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done.
Discussion Questions:
1. Where did sin come from, according to these verses?
2. Do you see sin “ruling” in the world today? If so, give an example.
3. Which sin(s) do you hate the most, and why?
4. What is the solution to sin, according to these verses?
5. How exactly did Jesus take care of the sin problem?
6. What is “grace” (see verse 21), and what does it mean for grace to “rule in our lives”?
7. How can we “get right” with God, so that His grace rules over us?
Read: Romans 5:12, 14-19, 21
12 Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And death came because of sin. Everyone sinned, so death came to all people. 14 Death ruled from the time of Adam to the time of Moses. Death ruled even over those who did not sin as Adam did. He broke God's command. But he also became a pattern of the one who was going to come. 15 God's gift is different from Adam's sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But it was even more sure that God's grace would also come through one man. That man is Jesus Christ. God's gift of grace was more than enough for the whole world. 16 The result of God's gift is different from the result of Adam's sin. God judged one sin. That brought guilt. But after many sins, God's gift made people right with Him. 17 One man sinned, and death ruled because of his sin. But we are even more sure of what will happen because of what the one man, Jesus Christ, has done. Those who receive the rich supply of God's grace will rule with Christ in His kingdom. They have received God's gift and have been made right with Him. 18 One man's sin brought guilt to all people. So also one right act made all people right with God. And all who are right with God will live. 19 Many people were made sinners because one man did not obey. But one man did obey. That is why many people will be made right with God. 21 Sin ruled because of death. So also grace rules in the lives of those who are right with God. The grace of God brings eternal life because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done.
Discussion Questions:
1. Where did sin come from, according to these verses?
2. Do you see sin “ruling” in the world today? If so, give an example.
3. Which sin(s) do you hate the most, and why?
4. What is the solution to sin, according to these verses?
5. How exactly did Jesus take care of the sin problem?
6. What is “grace” (see verse 21), and what does it mean for grace to “rule in our lives”?
7. How can we “get right” with God, so that His grace rules over us?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Relationships – Part V
Opening Question: Did you ever disobey your parents when you were growing up? Why did you do it, and what were the results?
Read the following verses from Genesis 3:1-13
1 The serpent was more clever than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. The serpent said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat the fruit of any tree that is in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We can eat the fruit of the trees that are in the garden. 3 But God did say, 'You must not eat the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden. Do not even touch it. If you do, you will die.' " 4 "You can be sure that you won't die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "God knows that when you eat the fruit of that tree, you will know things you have never known before. You will be able to tell the difference between good and evil. You will be like God." 6 The woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good to eat. It was also pleasing to look at. And it would make a person wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. And he ate it. 7 Then both of them knew things they had never known before. They realized they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves.8 Then the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking in the garden. It was the coolest time of the day. They hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.9 But the Lord God called out to the man. "Where are you?" he asked. 10 "I heard you in the garden," the man answered. "I was afraid. I was naked, so I hid." 11 The Lord God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit of the tree I commanded you not to eat?" 12 The man said, "It was the woman You put here with me. She gave me some fruit from the tree. And I ate it." 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What have you done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me. That's why I ate the fruit."
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of your observations about the serpent? And the woman?
2 What do you think the serpent was trying to accomplish?
3. Describe everything that happened after the woman and the man ate the forbidden fruit.
4. Who do you think was to blame for what happened in the garden?
a) the woman b) the man c) the serpent d) God e) a-d
5. Why do you think the woman and the man decided to disobey God?
6. How do you imagine God felt after all this took place?
7. How does this story relate to our lives today?
Read the following verses from Genesis 3:1-13
1 The serpent was more clever than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. The serpent said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat the fruit of any tree that is in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We can eat the fruit of the trees that are in the garden. 3 But God did say, 'You must not eat the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden. Do not even touch it. If you do, you will die.' " 4 "You can be sure that you won't die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "God knows that when you eat the fruit of that tree, you will know things you have never known before. You will be able to tell the difference between good and evil. You will be like God." 6 The woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good to eat. It was also pleasing to look at. And it would make a person wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. And he ate it. 7 Then both of them knew things they had never known before. They realized they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves.8 Then the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking in the garden. It was the coolest time of the day. They hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.9 But the Lord God called out to the man. "Where are you?" he asked. 10 "I heard you in the garden," the man answered. "I was afraid. I was naked, so I hid." 11 The Lord God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit of the tree I commanded you not to eat?" 12 The man said, "It was the woman You put here with me. She gave me some fruit from the tree. And I ate it." 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What have you done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me. That's why I ate the fruit."
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of your observations about the serpent? And the woman?
2 What do you think the serpent was trying to accomplish?
3. Describe everything that happened after the woman and the man ate the forbidden fruit.
4. Who do you think was to blame for what happened in the garden?
a) the woman b) the man c) the serpent d) God e) a-d
5. Why do you think the woman and the man decided to disobey God?
6. How do you imagine God felt after all this took place?
7. How does this story relate to our lives today?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Relationships – Part IV
Opening Question: What is your favorite kind of fruit? And vegetable?
Q 2. Which blessings are you most thankful to God for?
Q 3. Which freedoms are most important, in your opinion?
Q 4. Read and discuss the relationship between God and man in the very beginning stage of history, according to Genesis 1:1, 26-29; 2:8,9,15,16,17 below:
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground -- trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Q 5. Why do think God put a restriction on man’s freedom?
Q 6. Can you think of some modern day examples of restrictions that are placed on us?
Q 7. Are restrictions good or bad? Explain.
Q 8. What did God say would happen if His restriction was ignored by the man?
Q 2. Which blessings are you most thankful to God for?
Q 3. Which freedoms are most important, in your opinion?
Q 4. Read and discuss the relationship between God and man in the very beginning stage of history, according to Genesis 1:1, 26-29; 2:8,9,15,16,17 below:
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground -- trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Q 5. Why do think God put a restriction on man’s freedom?
Q 6. Can you think of some modern day examples of restrictions that are placed on us?
Q 7. Are restrictions good or bad? Explain.
Q 8. What did God say would happen if His restriction was ignored by the man?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Relationships – Part III
Opening Question: What’s the most important relationship in your life?
Q 2. What are the ingredients that go into a good relationship with someone?
Discuss what the following verses from the Bible say about a relationship with God:
John 4:23,24
True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. They are the kind of worshipers the Father is looking for. God is spirit. His worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 3:3
Jesus replied, "What I'm about to tell you is true. No one can see God's kingdom without being born again."
John 17:3
And what is eternal life? It is knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Romans 8:38,39
I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God's love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can do that. Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can do that. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.
Hebrews 13:5
God has said, "I will never leave you. I will never desert you."
Q 3. How is it possible to have a relationship with God in this material world?
Q 4. What keeps people from having a relationship with God?
Q 5. How does someone start a relationship with God?
Q 2. What are the ingredients that go into a good relationship with someone?
Discuss what the following verses from the Bible say about a relationship with God:
John 4:23,24
True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. They are the kind of worshipers the Father is looking for. God is spirit. His worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 3:3
Jesus replied, "What I'm about to tell you is true. No one can see God's kingdom without being born again."
John 17:3
And what is eternal life? It is knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Romans 8:38,39
I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God's love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can do that. Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can do that. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.
Hebrews 13:5
God has said, "I will never leave you. I will never desert you."
Q 3. How is it possible to have a relationship with God in this material world?
Q 4. What keeps people from having a relationship with God?
Q 5. How does someone start a relationship with God?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Relationships – Part II
"Everyone is born to have a horizontal and a vertical relationship. The horizontal relationship is with other people. The vertical relationship is with God. The quality of our horizontal relationship with people depends on the quality of our vertical relationship with God."
Q1)What are some things that can destroy relationships?
Q2)Have you ever experienced a broken relationship?
Q3)How can broken relationships be restored?
Q4)Discuss what the following Bible verses say about difficult relationships:
Luke 6:27-36
27 "Here is what I tell you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly. 29 Suppose someone hits you on one cheek. Turn your other cheek to him also. Suppose someone takes your coat. Don't stop him from taking your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks you. And if anyone takes what belongs to you, don't ask to get it back. 31 Do to others as you want them to do to you. 32 Suppose you love those who love you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And suppose you do good to those who are good to you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And suppose you lend money to those who can pay you back. Should anyone praise you for that? Even a 'sinner' lends to 'sinners,' expecting them to pay everything back. 35 But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be sons of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful. 36 So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy. "
Q5)Which verse do you like the most? The least?
Q6)What do you think was Jesus’ main point?
Q7)Which of the following do you believe:
a)What Jesus commands is easy.
b)What Jesus commands is impossible.
c)Jesus did what He commanded His followers to do.
d)What Jesus commands is possible, if we try really hard.
e)What Jesus commands is possible, only with His help.
Q8)How can Jesus help us to do what He commanded His followers to do 2000 years ago?
Q1)What are some things that can destroy relationships?
Q2)Have you ever experienced a broken relationship?
Q3)How can broken relationships be restored?
Q4)Discuss what the following Bible verses say about difficult relationships:
Luke 6:27-36
27 "Here is what I tell you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly. 29 Suppose someone hits you on one cheek. Turn your other cheek to him also. Suppose someone takes your coat. Don't stop him from taking your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks you. And if anyone takes what belongs to you, don't ask to get it back. 31 Do to others as you want them to do to you. 32 Suppose you love those who love you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And suppose you do good to those who are good to you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And suppose you lend money to those who can pay you back. Should anyone praise you for that? Even a 'sinner' lends to 'sinners,' expecting them to pay everything back. 35 But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be sons of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful. 36 So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy. "
Q5)Which verse do you like the most? The least?
Q6)What do you think was Jesus’ main point?
Q7)Which of the following do you believe:
a)What Jesus commands is easy.
b)What Jesus commands is impossible.
c)Jesus did what He commanded His followers to do.
d)What Jesus commands is possible, if we try really hard.
e)What Jesus commands is possible, only with His help.
Q8)How can Jesus help us to do what He commanded His followers to do 2000 years ago?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Relationships – Part I
Everyone is born to have both a horizontal and a vertical relationship. The horizontal relationship is with other people. The vertical relationship is with God.
Discussion Questions:
Q1. Who has been the most important relationship in your life?
Q2. Why are relationships so important?
Q3. What should be the most important relationship, according to the following verses:
36 "Teacher," he asked, "which is the most important commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' (Matthew 22:36-39)
Q4. Why must your our relationship with God be #1?
Read the following verses:
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born again because of what God has done. That person knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 How did God show his love for us? He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him. 10 What is love? It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we should also love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us. His love is made complete in us. 19 We love because he loved us first. 20 Anyone who says he loves God but in fact hates his brother or sister is a liar. He doesn't love his brother or sister, whom he has seen. So he can't love God, whom he has not seen. 21 Here is the command God has given us. Anyone who loves God must also love his brothers and sisters. (1 John 4:7-12, 19-21)
Q5. What do these verses mean to you?
Discussion Questions:
Q1. Who has been the most important relationship in your life?
Q2. Why are relationships so important?
Q3. What should be the most important relationship, according to the following verses:
36 "Teacher," he asked, "which is the most important commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' (Matthew 22:36-39)
Q4. Why must your our relationship with God be #1?
Read the following verses:
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born again because of what God has done. That person knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 How did God show his love for us? He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him. 10 What is love? It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we should also love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us. His love is made complete in us. 19 We love because he loved us first. 20 Anyone who says he loves God but in fact hates his brother or sister is a liar. He doesn't love his brother or sister, whom he has seen. So he can't love God, whom he has not seen. 21 Here is the command God has given us. Anyone who loves God must also love his brothers and sisters. (1 John 4:7-12, 19-21)
Q5. What do these verses mean to you?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Jesus calls his followers “Friends”
Opening Questions:
What did you think of the video clip of Jesus and his followers? What did you notice about Jesus?
In your family, work environment, at school, with your professor/advisor, do you feel more like a servant or a friend to those in authority over you?
Read John 15:9-17
Discussion Questions:
1. What is joy?
2. How does Jesus describe “complete joy” ? Do you agree?
3. According to the passage, what is the greatest love?
4. Who are Jesus’ friends?
5. Do you think Jesus should call his followers servants or friends? Why?
6. What explanation does Jesus give for calling his followers friends?
7. Jesus invites each of us to be His fruitful friends. What is your response to that?
Bonus Questions:
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your “joy factor” right now?
9. Love gives generously, accepts unconditionally, but also draws near personally and discloses vulnerably.
What did you think of the video clip of Jesus and his followers? What did you notice about Jesus?
In your family, work environment, at school, with your professor/advisor, do you feel more like a servant or a friend to those in authority over you?
Read John 15:9-17
Discussion Questions:
1. What is joy?
2. How does Jesus describe “complete joy” ? Do you agree?
3. According to the passage, what is the greatest love?
4. Who are Jesus’ friends?
5. Do you think Jesus should call his followers servants or friends? Why?
6. What explanation does Jesus give for calling his followers friends?
7. Jesus invites each of us to be His fruitful friends. What is your response to that?
Bonus Questions:
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your “joy factor” right now?
9. Love gives generously, accepts unconditionally, but also draws near personally and discloses vulnerably.
Friday, April 17, 2009
God is a Savior
Opening Question: Have you ever been saved, or saved someone, from a dangerous situation?
Q 2: According to the following Bible verses, what is God like?
I want you to know Me and believe in Me. I want you to understand that I am the one and only God. Before Me, there was no other God at all. And there will not be any God after Me. I am the one and only Lord. I am the only one who can save you. (Isaiah 43:10,11)
All of you who live anywhere on earth, turn to Me and be saved. I am God. There is no other God. (Isaiah 45:22)
Give praise to the One who is able to keep you from falling into sin. He will bring you into His heavenly glory without any fault. He will bring you there with great joy. Give praise to the only God. He is our Savior. Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him. Give praise to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give praise to the One who was before all time, who now is, and who will be forever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
Q 3: Why do we need a Savior? What do you think we need to be saved from?
Q 4: According to the verses below, what do we have to do to be saved?
Say with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord." Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Then you will be saved. With your heart you believe and are made right with God. With your mouth you say that Jesus is Lord. And so you are saved. Scripture says, "The one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. There is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is Lord of all. He richly blesses everyone who calls on Him." Scripture says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-13)
The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. He saved us. It wasn't because of the good things we had done. It was because of His mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life. God poured out the Spirit on us freely because of what Jesus Christ our Savior has done. His grace made us right with God. So now we have received the hope of eternal life as God's children. (Titus 3:4-7)
Q 5: What are some of the results of being saved, as we read in the verses above?
Q 6: Are you saved? If so, what difference does it make in your life from day to day?
Q 7: What can we do to help other people be saved?
Q 2: According to the following Bible verses, what is God like?
I want you to know Me and believe in Me. I want you to understand that I am the one and only God. Before Me, there was no other God at all. And there will not be any God after Me. I am the one and only Lord. I am the only one who can save you. (Isaiah 43:10,11)
All of you who live anywhere on earth, turn to Me and be saved. I am God. There is no other God. (Isaiah 45:22)
Give praise to the One who is able to keep you from falling into sin. He will bring you into His heavenly glory without any fault. He will bring you there with great joy. Give praise to the only God. He is our Savior. Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him. Give praise to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give praise to the One who was before all time, who now is, and who will be forever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
Q 3: Why do we need a Savior? What do you think we need to be saved from?
Q 4: According to the verses below, what do we have to do to be saved?
Say with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord." Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Then you will be saved. With your heart you believe and are made right with God. With your mouth you say that Jesus is Lord. And so you are saved. Scripture says, "The one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. There is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is Lord of all. He richly blesses everyone who calls on Him." Scripture says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-13)
The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. He saved us. It wasn't because of the good things we had done. It was because of His mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life. God poured out the Spirit on us freely because of what Jesus Christ our Savior has done. His grace made us right with God. So now we have received the hope of eternal life as God's children. (Titus 3:4-7)
Q 5: What are some of the results of being saved, as we read in the verses above?
Q 6: Are you saved? If so, what difference does it make in your life from day to day?
Q 7: What can we do to help other people be saved?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Marcia Kwon
Marcia Kwon was our guest speaker. She shared with us what she will be doing in Nepal as a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Opening Question: Why did Marcia say she is going to Nepal? What do you think about her decision?
In the book of Revelation 7:9-10, John, a disciple of Jesus, recorded a vision his saw of heaven. Here’s what he saw:
After this [John] looked and there before [John] was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Jesus). They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb."
•What do you think the people are doing in these verses? (A: They were worshiping God.)
•What does it mean to worship God? (A: Giving glory to God.)
•Who do you think are present before the throne (in heaven) in John’s vision? Do you think your people are included in this vision?
•Do you think God is worthy of our worship? Why, or why not?
Read Romans 10:9-15 together:
…if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
•How can you be saved? (lines 1 and 2)
•Who can be saved? (lines 3-5)
•What does is mean to be “saved” and “never be put to shame” (lines 3-5)
•What does this passage imply about being a blessing to others? Why does God send his people into the world? (lines 4-8)
A challenge to think about this week:
“Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God.” – William Carrey, a famous missionary to India. Before William Carrey became a missionary, he was a shoe maker. Besides bringing the gospel to India, William Carrey also accomplished a lot of great things for God and for the people. He helped people with his medical knowledge. He helped people with his knowledge about farming and plants. He translated the Bible into 9 different languages in India.
•Is there anything you can attempt for God?
•What do you think we can expect from God?
Opening Question: Why did Marcia say she is going to Nepal? What do you think about her decision?
In the book of Revelation 7:9-10, John, a disciple of Jesus, recorded a vision his saw of heaven. Here’s what he saw:
After this [John] looked and there before [John] was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Jesus). They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb."
•What do you think the people are doing in these verses? (A: They were worshiping God.)
•What does it mean to worship God? (A: Giving glory to God.)
•Who do you think are present before the throne (in heaven) in John’s vision? Do you think your people are included in this vision?
•Do you think God is worthy of our worship? Why, or why not?
Read Romans 10:9-15 together:
…if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
•How can you be saved? (lines 1 and 2)
•Who can be saved? (lines 3-5)
•What does is mean to be “saved” and “never be put to shame” (lines 3-5)
•What does this passage imply about being a blessing to others? Why does God send his people into the world? (lines 4-8)
A challenge to think about this week:
“Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God.” – William Carrey, a famous missionary to India. Before William Carrey became a missionary, he was a shoe maker. Besides bringing the gospel to India, William Carrey also accomplished a lot of great things for God and for the people. He helped people with his medical knowledge. He helped people with his knowledge about farming and plants. He translated the Bible into 9 different languages in India.
•Is there anything you can attempt for God?
•What do you think we can expect from God?
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Living God is a Missionary God (We are blessed to be a blessing)
Opening Questions: A. In your country, how are Christian missionaries viewed? How do you think they have helped or hurt your country’s well- being and development?
B. What are some of your dreams for ways you could help bring hope to your homeland?
Read these Bible verses together:
Psalm 42:2 (written by King David) “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Acts 14:15b(proclaimed by followers of Jesus, Paul and Barnabas, when men tried to worship them by offering sacrifices of animals to them, after they helped a man to walk) “We too are only men, human beings like you. We are bringing good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.”
Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
1.In what ways have you been blessed? Have you ever considered these as blessings from God? Why or why not?
2.Circle the 6 promises that God makes to Abram (and to us) by stating “I will”
3.Now, find the additional 2 wills. “you will” and the “all peoples on earth will”
4.What does it mean for a person (or group of people) to “be a blessing”?
5.Why does God bless people?
6.What are ways that God may want you to use the blessings you have been given to be a blessing to others, so they in turn can bless others?
God could have revealed His purpose in the form of direct commands about what He wanted to see done. Instead, God chose to reveal His purpose in the form of a promise, a promise that was both personal and immensely global: to bless all the families of the earth.
God’s purposes in poetry
Read Psalm 67 (from the Old Testament in the Bible) :
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.
B. What are some of your dreams for ways you could help bring hope to your homeland?
Read these Bible verses together:
Psalm 42:2 (written by King David) “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Acts 14:15b(proclaimed by followers of Jesus, Paul and Barnabas, when men tried to worship them by offering sacrifices of animals to them, after they helped a man to walk) “We too are only men, human beings like you. We are bringing good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.”
Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
1.In what ways have you been blessed? Have you ever considered these as blessings from God? Why or why not?
2.Circle the 6 promises that God makes to Abram (and to us) by stating “I will”
3.Now, find the additional 2 wills. “you will” and the “all peoples on earth will”
4.What does it mean for a person (or group of people) to “be a blessing”?
5.Why does God bless people?
6.What are ways that God may want you to use the blessings you have been given to be a blessing to others, so they in turn can bless others?
God could have revealed His purpose in the form of direct commands about what He wanted to see done. Instead, God chose to reveal His purpose in the form of a promise, a promise that was both personal and immensely global: to bless all the families of the earth.
God’s purposes in poetry
Read Psalm 67 (from the Old Testament in the Bible) :
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? - A Criminal
Opening Question: What do you think should happen to criminals, and why?
Read Matthew 26:47-56
Word list:
the Twelve – the 12 followers of Jesus.
chief priests – the religious leaders of Israel
Rabbi – teacher
Scriptures – the part of the Bible that was written before Jesus.
prophets – men who spoke for God to the people of Israel.
Q: Why did Jesus not ask to help him, like he explained in verse 53?
The following is an example of some Scripture that the prophet, Isaiah, wrote about Jesus. This was written about 700 years before Jesus was born:
“All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us. He was beaten down and made to suffer. But he didn't open his mouth. He was led away like a sheep to be killed. Lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off. In the same way, he didn't open his mouth. He was arrested and sentenced to death. Then he was taken away. He was cut off from this life. He was punished for the sins of my people. Who among those who were living at that time could have understood those things?” (Isaiah 53:6-8)
Q: According to the Scripture above, what was going to happen to Jesus at the end of his life on earth, and why?
Read Matthew 26:57-68
Word list:
teachers of the law, elders – the religious experts and leaders of Israel.
Sanhedrin – the supreme court of Israel, made up of 71 members.
Christ / Son of God / Son of Man – the future ruler of Israel and the world, Jesus!
Q: Why didn’t Jesus say anything to defend himself, as we read in verse 63?
Q: Why did the chief priests and the Sanhedrin treat Jesus like a criminal?
Q: Who was Jesus, and why did he let the religious leaders of Israel treat him like a criminal (see Isaiah 53:6-8)?
Read Matthew 26:47-56
Word list:
the Twelve – the 12 followers of Jesus.
chief priests – the religious leaders of Israel
Rabbi – teacher
Scriptures – the part of the Bible that was written before Jesus.
prophets – men who spoke for God to the people of Israel.
Q: Why did Jesus not ask to help him, like he explained in verse 53?
The following is an example of some Scripture that the prophet, Isaiah, wrote about Jesus. This was written about 700 years before Jesus was born:
“All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us. He was beaten down and made to suffer. But he didn't open his mouth. He was led away like a sheep to be killed. Lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off. In the same way, he didn't open his mouth. He was arrested and sentenced to death. Then he was taken away. He was cut off from this life. He was punished for the sins of my people. Who among those who were living at that time could have understood those things?” (Isaiah 53:6-8)
Q: According to the Scripture above, what was going to happen to Jesus at the end of his life on earth, and why?
Read Matthew 26:57-68
Word list:
teachers of the law, elders – the religious experts and leaders of Israel.
Sanhedrin – the supreme court of Israel, made up of 71 members.
Christ / Son of God / Son of Man – the future ruler of Israel and the world, Jesus!
Q: Why didn’t Jesus say anything to defend himself, as we read in verse 63?
Q: Why did the chief priests and the Sanhedrin treat Jesus like a criminal?
Q: Who was Jesus, and why did he let the religious leaders of Israel treat him like a criminal (see Isaiah 53:6-8)?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? - A Lawyer
Opening Question: Have you, or someone you know, ever needed a lawyer?
Check out and discuss man’s problem with God, according to the verses below:
There isn't anyone on earth who does only what is right and never sins. - Ecclesiastes 7:20
Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God's glory. - Romans 3:23
When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. - Romans 6:23
The royal law is found in Scripture. It says, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." If you really keep that law, you are doing what is right. But suppose you keep the whole law, and trip over just one part of it. Then you are guilty of breaking all of it. - James 2:8,10
Q2: What is the job description of a lawyer?
Q3: How are you doing at keeping the “royal law” of God?
Q4: How would you describe Jesus’ role as a lawyer, based on the following verses:
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 2:5
My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have one who speaks to the Father for us. He stands up for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. He gave his life to pay for our sins. But he not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world. - 1 John 2:1,2
Q5: Why do we need Jesus as our lawyer when we stand before God on Judgment Day?
Q6: Have you hired (i.e., decided to trust, obey and follow) Jesus as your “lawyer” yet?
Check out and discuss man’s problem with God, according to the verses below:
There isn't anyone on earth who does only what is right and never sins. - Ecclesiastes 7:20
Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God's glory. - Romans 3:23
When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. - Romans 6:23
The royal law is found in Scripture. It says, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." If you really keep that law, you are doing what is right. But suppose you keep the whole law, and trip over just one part of it. Then you are guilty of breaking all of it. - James 2:8,10
Q2: What is the job description of a lawyer?
Q3: How are you doing at keeping the “royal law” of God?
Q4: How would you describe Jesus’ role as a lawyer, based on the following verses:
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 2:5
My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have one who speaks to the Father for us. He stands up for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. He gave his life to pay for our sins. But he not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world. - 1 John 2:1,2
Q5: Why do we need Jesus as our lawyer when we stand before God on Judgment Day?
Q6: Have you hired (i.e., decided to trust, obey and follow) Jesus as your “lawyer” yet?
Friday, March 6, 2009
God is a Judge
Opening Question: Have you ever broken any laws (even “minor” ones)? If so, what did you do wrong, and what was the judgment against you?
Look at the following verses from the Bible about God, the Judge:
God will judge the world in keeping with what is right. He will rule over all of its people fairly. - Psalm 9:8
The godly will get their reward. There really is a God who judges the earth. - Psalm 58:11
God will judge everything people do. That includes everything they try to hide. He'll judge everything, whether it's good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:14
The Father does not judge anyone. He has given the Son the task of judging. - John 5:22
He has set a day when He will judge the world fairly. He has appointed a Man to be its judge. God has proved this to all people by raising that Man from the dead. - Acts 17:31
People will be judged on the day God appoints Jesus Christ to judge their secret thoughts. That's part of my good news. - Romans 2:16
We must all stand in front of Christ to be judged. - 2 Corinthians 5:10
People have to die once. After that, God will judge them. - Hebrews 9:27
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge. He is the One who is able to save life or destroy it. But who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:12
Discuss the following questions:
1. How do we address judges, and why?
2. How would you describe the job of a judge?
3. What would the world be like without judges?
4. Are you afraid of God’s judgment of you? Why or why not?
5. Is there a way to escape God’s perfect judgment against us?
6. What does the last sentence in James 4:12 mean to us today?
Look at the following verses from the Bible about God, the Judge:
God will judge the world in keeping with what is right. He will rule over all of its people fairly. - Psalm 9:8
The godly will get their reward. There really is a God who judges the earth. - Psalm 58:11
God will judge everything people do. That includes everything they try to hide. He'll judge everything, whether it's good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:14
The Father does not judge anyone. He has given the Son the task of judging. - John 5:22
He has set a day when He will judge the world fairly. He has appointed a Man to be its judge. God has proved this to all people by raising that Man from the dead. - Acts 17:31
People will be judged on the day God appoints Jesus Christ to judge their secret thoughts. That's part of my good news. - Romans 2:16
We must all stand in front of Christ to be judged. - 2 Corinthians 5:10
People have to die once. After that, God will judge them. - Hebrews 9:27
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge. He is the One who is able to save life or destroy it. But who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:12
Discuss the following questions:
1. How do we address judges, and why?
2. How would you describe the job of a judge?
3. What would the world be like without judges?
4. Are you afraid of God’s judgment of you? Why or why not?
5. Is there a way to escape God’s perfect judgment against us?
6. What does the last sentence in James 4:12 mean to us today?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 6
Opening question: Have you ever tried to be perfect at something?
Read the following about who God is and what He is like:
Lord, who among the gods is like You? Who is like You? You are majestic and holy. Your glory fills me with wonder. You do wonderful miracles. Because Your love is faithful, You will lead the people You have set free. Because You are so strong, You will guide them to the holy place where You live. - Exodus 15:11,13
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who rules over all. The whole earth is full of His glory. - Isaiah 6:3
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God who rules over all. He was, and He is, and He will come. - Revelation 4:8
Now read about what we to do and be, if we want to have a relationship with God:
Dear friends, let us make ourselves pure from everything that pollutes our bodies and spirits. Let us be completely holy. We want to honor God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1
We must love what is good. We must control our minds and feelings. We must do what is right. We must be holy. We must control what his body longs for. - Titus 1:8
Try your best to live in peace with everyone. Try to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
Discuss the following:
1. What does it mean to be holy?
2. Why should we be holy?
3. How are we doing at being holy?
4. Is it possible to be completely holy?
5. How can unholy people become holy, and have a relationship with holy God?
Read the following about who God is and what He is like:
Lord, who among the gods is like You? Who is like You? You are majestic and holy. Your glory fills me with wonder. You do wonderful miracles. Because Your love is faithful, You will lead the people You have set free. Because You are so strong, You will guide them to the holy place where You live. - Exodus 15:11,13
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who rules over all. The whole earth is full of His glory. - Isaiah 6:3
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God who rules over all. He was, and He is, and He will come. - Revelation 4:8
Now read about what we to do and be, if we want to have a relationship with God:
Dear friends, let us make ourselves pure from everything that pollutes our bodies and spirits. Let us be completely holy. We want to honor God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1
We must love what is good. We must control our minds and feelings. We must do what is right. We must be holy. We must control what his body longs for. - Titus 1:8
Try your best to live in peace with everyone. Try to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
Discuss the following:
1. What does it mean to be holy?
2. Why should we be holy?
3. How are we doing at being holy?
4. Is it possible to be completely holy?
5. How can unholy people become holy, and have a relationship with holy God?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 5
Opening question: How would you define love?
Read: 1 John 4:7-12
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born again because of what God has done. That person knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 How did God show his love for us? He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him. 10 What is love? It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we should also love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us. His love is made complete in us.
And: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. 5 It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs. 6 Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. 7 It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. 8 Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.
Discussion questions:
1) Do you have any questions about the verses above?
2) After reading the verses above, how would you describe God?
3) What did God do to demonstrate His love for mankind?
4) What does “born again” mean?
5) How can we demonstrate our love for other people?
6) Which verse about love do you think is the most difficult to do?
Read: 1 John 4:7-12
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born again because of what God has done. That person knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 How did God show his love for us? He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so we could receive life through him. 10 What is love? It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we should also love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us. His love is made complete in us.
And: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. 5 It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs. 6 Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. 7 It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. 8 Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.
Discussion questions:
1) Do you have any questions about the verses above?
2) After reading the verses above, how would you describe God?
3) What did God do to demonstrate His love for mankind?
4) What does “born again” mean?
5) How can we demonstrate our love for other people?
6) Which verse about love do you think is the most difficult to do?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 4
Opening Question: What is it that gives you lasting satisfaction in life?
Word List:
Pharisees – religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
baptizing – putting people under water, which represented dying to the selfish way they were living, and starting over again.
Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Sychar – places in Israel.
Jacob, Joseph – 2 of the famous forefathers of Israel.
well – a deep hole in the ground, dug out to find water.
Samaritans – people who were half-Jewish, and hated by the Jews.
Read John 4:1-18
Discuss the following:
1) Re-tell the story in your own words.
2) How would you describe the woman?
3) What did Jesus say about himself?
4) What do the terms “living water” and “God’s gift” mean to you?
5) How could the woman (and how can we) get this “living water”?
6) Have you had a chance to taste this “living water” yet? If so, how has it satisfied your thirst?
Word List:
Pharisees – religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
baptizing – putting people under water, which represented dying to the selfish way they were living, and starting over again.
Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Sychar – places in Israel.
Jacob, Joseph – 2 of the famous forefathers of Israel.
well – a deep hole in the ground, dug out to find water.
Samaritans – people who were half-Jewish, and hated by the Jews.
Read John 4:1-18
Discuss the following:
1) Re-tell the story in your own words.
2) How would you describe the woman?
3) What did Jesus say about himself?
4) What do the terms “living water” and “God’s gift” mean to you?
5) How could the woman (and how can we) get this “living water”?
6) Have you had a chance to taste this “living water” yet? If so, how has it satisfied your thirst?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 3
Opening Question: Do you want to live forever? Why or why not?
Read the following verses from the Bible:
Deuteronomy 33:27 - God lives forever! You can run to Him for safety. His powerful arms are always there to carry you.
Psalm 90:2 - Before You created the world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end You are God.
Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, "I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with faithful love."
Daniel 12:2 - Huge numbers of people who lie dead in their graves will wake up. Some will rise up to life that will never end. Others will rise up to shame that will never end.
Matthew 7:13,14 - Enter God's kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that lead to death and hell. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that lead to life. Only a few people find it.
John 14:6 - Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 3:16 - God loved the world so much that he gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.
Discuss the following questions:
1) What do the verses above tell us about who God is and what He is like?
2) Do you have a question about any of these verses?
3) Which verse do you like the most, and why?
4) Which verse makes you feel uncomfortable, and why?
5) According to these verses, how can we live forever?
6) Do you believe you will live forever? Please explain.
Read the following verses from the Bible:
Deuteronomy 33:27 - God lives forever! You can run to Him for safety. His powerful arms are always there to carry you.
Psalm 90:2 - Before You created the world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end You are God.
Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, "I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with faithful love."
Daniel 12:2 - Huge numbers of people who lie dead in their graves will wake up. Some will rise up to life that will never end. Others will rise up to shame that will never end.
Matthew 7:13,14 - Enter God's kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that lead to death and hell. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that lead to life. Only a few people find it.
John 14:6 - Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 3:16 - God loved the world so much that he gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.
Discuss the following questions:
1) What do the verses above tell us about who God is and what He is like?
2) Do you have a question about any of these verses?
3) Which verse do you like the most, and why?
4) Which verse makes you feel uncomfortable, and why?
5) According to these verses, how can we live forever?
6) Do you believe you will live forever? Please explain.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 2
Opening Question: How would you feel if everyone could read your mind all the time?
Read Psalm 139:13-18 out loud as a group, and then again silently:
You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mother's body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well. None of my bones was hidden from you
when you made me inside my mother's body. That place was as dark as the deepest parts of the earth. When you were putting me together there, your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You planned how many days I would live. You wrote down the number of them in your book before I had lived through even one of them. God, your thoughts about me are priceless. No one can possibly add them all up. If I could count them, they would be more than the grains of sand. If I were to fall asleep counting and then wake up, you would still be there with me.
Discuss the following questions:
1. Do you believe God created our bodies, or that they might have evolved from monkeys a long time ago, or both? Explain.
2. If God created our bodies, what does that tell us about what God is like?
3. What does the verses above say about people?
4. What do these verses say about unborn babies, and when their lives begin?
5. What are some ways we can apply Psalm 139:13-18 to our lives and the lives of others?
Read Psalm 139:13-18 out loud as a group, and then again silently:
You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mother's body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well. None of my bones was hidden from you
when you made me inside my mother's body. That place was as dark as the deepest parts of the earth. When you were putting me together there, your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You planned how many days I would live. You wrote down the number of them in your book before I had lived through even one of them. God, your thoughts about me are priceless. No one can possibly add them all up. If I could count them, they would be more than the grains of sand. If I were to fall asleep counting and then wake up, you would still be there with me.
Discuss the following questions:
1. Do you believe God created our bodies, or that they might have evolved from monkeys a long time ago, or both? Explain.
2. If God created our bodies, what does that tell us about what God is like?
3. What does the verses above say about people?
4. What do these verses say about unborn babies, and when their lives begin?
5. What are some ways we can apply Psalm 139:13-18 to our lives and the lives of others?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Who is God and what is He like? Part 1
Opening Question: If you could ask God a question, what would you ask?
Read the following verses from Psalm 139:1-12 a couple times:
Lord, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away. You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live. Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it. You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me. You hold me in your power. I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can understand. How can I get away from your Spirit? Where can I go to escape from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth, you are also there. Supposed I were to rise with the sun in the east and then cross over to the west where it sinks into the ocean. Your hand would always be there to guide me. Your right hand would still be holding me close. Suppose I were to say, “I’m sure the darkness will hide me. The light around me will become as dark as night.” Even that darkness is like light to you. The night would shine like the day, because darkness is like light to you.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do people in your culture think about the idea of God?
2. According to the verses we just read, what are some things we can we learn about God?
3. Which of the verses do you like the most, and why?
4. Do any of the descriptions of God sound kind of scary or hard to understand?
5. Do you think God is someone we can put our trust in? If so, please explain.
6. Can you think of a situation in life where this information about God might
be helpful?
Read the following verses from Psalm 139:1-12 a couple times:
Lord, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away. You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live. Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it. You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me. You hold me in your power. I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can understand. How can I get away from your Spirit? Where can I go to escape from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth, you are also there. Supposed I were to rise with the sun in the east and then cross over to the west where it sinks into the ocean. Your hand would always be there to guide me. Your right hand would still be holding me close. Suppose I were to say, “I’m sure the darkness will hide me. The light around me will become as dark as night.” Even that darkness is like light to you. The night would shine like the day, because darkness is like light to you.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do people in your culture think about the idea of God?
2. According to the verses we just read, what are some things we can we learn about God?
3. Which of the verses do you like the most, and why?
4. Do any of the descriptions of God sound kind of scary or hard to understand?
5. Do you think God is someone we can put our trust in? If so, please explain.
6. Can you think of a situation in life where this information about God might
be helpful?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday, January 9th
Opening Question: How was your first week of classes, or your first week on the job in 2009?
Q 2: Discuss these basic questions:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Q 3: Let’s read what the Bible says about these these basic questions:
Acts 14:15-17
15 God made the heavens and the earth and the sea. He made everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 But he has given proof of what he is like. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven. He gives you crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy."
Acts 17:24-31
24 God made the world. He made everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn't live in temples built by hands. 25 He is not served by human hands. He doesn't need anything. He himself gives life and breath to all people. He also gives them everything else they have. 26 From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they live all over the earth. He decided exactly when they should live. And he decided exactly where they should live. 27 God did this so that people would seek him. Then perhaps they would reach out for him and find him. They would find him even though he is not far from any of us. 28 “In him we live and move and exist.” As some of your own poets have also said, “We are his children.” 29 Yes, we are God's children. So we shouldn't think that God is made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't a statue planned and made by clever people. 30 In the past, God didn't judge people for what they didn't know. But now he commands all people everywhere to turn away from their sins. 31 He has set a day when he will judge the world fairly. He has appointed a man to be its judge. God has proved this to all people by raising that man from the dead.
Q 4: According to the Bible, what are some answers to the questions we asked at the top of the page?
Q 2: Discuss these basic questions:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Q 3: Let’s read what the Bible says about these these basic questions:
Acts 14:15-17
15 God made the heavens and the earth and the sea. He made everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 But he has given proof of what he is like. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven. He gives you crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy."
Acts 17:24-31
24 God made the world. He made everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn't live in temples built by hands. 25 He is not served by human hands. He doesn't need anything. He himself gives life and breath to all people. He also gives them everything else they have. 26 From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they live all over the earth. He decided exactly when they should live. And he decided exactly where they should live. 27 God did this so that people would seek him. Then perhaps they would reach out for him and find him. They would find him even though he is not far from any of us. 28 “In him we live and move and exist.” As some of your own poets have also said, “We are his children.” 29 Yes, we are God's children. So we shouldn't think that God is made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't a statue planned and made by clever people. 30 In the past, God didn't judge people for what they didn't know. But now he commands all people everywhere to turn away from their sins. 31 He has set a day when he will judge the world fairly. He has appointed a man to be its judge. God has proved this to all people by raising that man from the dead.
Q 4: According to the Bible, what are some answers to the questions we asked at the top of the page?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday, January 2nd
Discussion Questions:
1. What was one of the best things that happened in 2008? One of the worst?
2. Let’s see what the Bible says about the future:
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.’ You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you are proud. You brag about it. That kind of bragging is evil.” (James 4:13-16)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways remember him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
What’s wrong with making future plans or using on our own understanding?
3. Is there an area in your life that you would like to see changed in 2009?
4. What should be our source of strength for making changes in our lives, according to the following verse in Philippians 4:13?
“I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.”
5. How can we experience this “power of Christ” in 2009?
1. What was one of the best things that happened in 2008? One of the worst?
2. Let’s see what the Bible says about the future:
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.’ You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you are proud. You brag about it. That kind of bragging is evil.” (James 4:13-16)
and
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways remember him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
What’s wrong with making future plans or using on our own understanding?
3. Is there an area in your life that you would like to see changed in 2009?
4. What should be our source of strength for making changes in our lives, according to the following verse in Philippians 4:13?
“I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.”
5. How can we experience this “power of Christ” in 2009?
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