Opening question: What is one of the best gifts you have ever received, and why?
Read Matthew 2:1-20, asking and answering all the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How questions you can think of:
1 In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world. 2 It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be listed. 4 So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. 5 He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby. 6 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn. 8 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, 14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!" 15 The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. 20 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
In Touch with Jesus
Opening question: Are you going to Mt Baker?
Read Matthew 9:18-34
18 While Jesus was saying this, a ruler came. He got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, "My daughter has just died. But come and place your hand on her. Then she will live again." 19 Jesus got up and went with him. So did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman came up behind Jesus. She had a sickness that made her bleed. It had lasted for 12 years. She touched the edge of his clothes. 21 She thought, "I only need to touch his clothes. Then I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Dear woman, don't give up hope," he said. "Your faith has healed you." The woman was healed at that very moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house, he saw the flute players there. And he saw the noisy crowd. 24 He said, "Go away. The girl is not dead. She is sleeping." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been sent outside, Jesus went in. He took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News about what Jesus had done spread all over that area. 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him. They called out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When Jesus went indoors, the blind men came to him. He asked them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes. He said, "It will happen to you just as you believed." 30 They could now see again. Jesus strongly warned them, "Be sure that no one knows about this." 31But they went out and spread the news. They talked about him all over that area. 32 While they were going out, another man was brought to Jesus. A demon controlled him, and he could not speak. 33 When the demon was driven out, the man spoke. The crowd was amazed. They said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the power of the prince of demons."
Discussion:
1. What was the problem in each of the 4 situations that Jesus encountered?
2. What do you guess were the feelings of the 4 people before and after they got in touch with Jesus?
3. What was different about the way the crowd and the Pharisees reacted to Jesus? Why the difference?
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 29?
5. What is faith, and how was it demonstrated in each situation?
6. Is there a situation in your life that you need to believe Jesus for?
Read Matthew 9:18-34
18 While Jesus was saying this, a ruler came. He got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, "My daughter has just died. But come and place your hand on her. Then she will live again." 19 Jesus got up and went with him. So did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman came up behind Jesus. She had a sickness that made her bleed. It had lasted for 12 years. She touched the edge of his clothes. 21 She thought, "I only need to touch his clothes. Then I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Dear woman, don't give up hope," he said. "Your faith has healed you." The woman was healed at that very moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house, he saw the flute players there. And he saw the noisy crowd. 24 He said, "Go away. The girl is not dead. She is sleeping." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been sent outside, Jesus went in. He took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News about what Jesus had done spread all over that area. 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him. They called out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When Jesus went indoors, the blind men came to him. He asked them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes. He said, "It will happen to you just as you believed." 30 They could now see again. Jesus strongly warned them, "Be sure that no one knows about this." 31But they went out and spread the news. They talked about him all over that area. 32 While they were going out, another man was brought to Jesus. A demon controlled him, and he could not speak. 33 When the demon was driven out, the man spoke. The crowd was amazed. They said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the power of the prince of demons."
Discussion:
1. What was the problem in each of the 4 situations that Jesus encountered?
2. What do you guess were the feelings of the 4 people before and after they got in touch with Jesus?
3. What was different about the way the crowd and the Pharisees reacted to Jesus? Why the difference?
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 29?
5. What is faith, and how was it demonstrated in each situation?
6. Is there a situation in your life that you need to believe Jesus for?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Suffering
We watched these two videos about Nick Vujicic: one, two
Opening question: What were you think as you watched the video?
Read John 9:1-11
1 As Jesus went along, he saw a man who was blind. He had been blind since he was born. 2 Jesus' disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned? Was this man born blind because he sinned? Or did his parents sin?" 3 "It isn't because this man sinned," said Jesus. "It isn't because his parents sinned. This happened so that God's work could be shown in his life. 4 While it is still day, we must do the work of the One who sent me. Night is coming. Then no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 After he said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud with the spit. Then he put the mud on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him. "Wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam means Sent. So the man went and washed. And he came home able to see. 8 His neighbors and those who had earlier seen him begging asked questions. "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" they asked. 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No. He only looks like him." But the man who had been blind kept saying, "I am the man." 10 "Then how were your eyes opened?" they asked. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed. Then I could see."
Discussion questions:
1. Try to re-tell the story of Jesus and the man who was born blind.
2. What happened when the man returned to his home?
3. What do Nick and the man in John 9 have in common? What is different?
4. What is “God’s work”?
5. How was Jesus a “light” to the blind man, and to Nick?
6. What is the connection between Jesus’ words and the man’s action, as we see in verses 7 & 11?
7. Like Nick and the man born blind, how can we face our “hopeless” situations?
Opening question: What were you think as you watched the video?
Read John 9:1-11
1 As Jesus went along, he saw a man who was blind. He had been blind since he was born. 2 Jesus' disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned? Was this man born blind because he sinned? Or did his parents sin?" 3 "It isn't because this man sinned," said Jesus. "It isn't because his parents sinned. This happened so that God's work could be shown in his life. 4 While it is still day, we must do the work of the One who sent me. Night is coming. Then no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 After he said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud with the spit. Then he put the mud on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him. "Wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam means Sent. So the man went and washed. And he came home able to see. 8 His neighbors and those who had earlier seen him begging asked questions. "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" they asked. 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No. He only looks like him." But the man who had been blind kept saying, "I am the man." 10 "Then how were your eyes opened?" they asked. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed. Then I could see."
Discussion questions:
1. Try to re-tell the story of Jesus and the man who was born blind.
2. What happened when the man returned to his home?
3. What do Nick and the man in John 9 have in common? What is different?
4. What is “God’s work”?
5. How was Jesus a “light” to the blind man, and to Nick?
6. What is the connection between Jesus’ words and the man’s action, as we see in verses 7 & 11?
7. Like Nick and the man born blind, how can we face our “hopeless” situations?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Removng our Masks - Revealing our true Identity
Opening Question: Do you like pretending? Why or why not?
Matthew 23:25-28
25 "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You clean the outside of the cup and dish. But on the inside you are full of greed. You only want to satisfy yourselves. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish. Then the outside will also be clean.
27 "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You are like tombs that are painted white. They look beautiful on the outside. But on the inside they are full of the bones of the dead. They are also full of other things that are not pure and clean. 28 It is the same with you. On the outside you seem to be doing what is right. But on the inside you are full of what is wrong. You pretend to be what you are not.
2 Cor. 3:16-17
16 But when anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Holy Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom is also there.
Vocabulary
Pharisee - A member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the law. A hypocritically self-righteous person.
Glory - Great honor, praise, or renown.
Discussion Questions:
1. How are the religious people described in Matt.
2. What images does Jesus use ? Can this apply to us today?
3. What needs cleansing? (Matt. 23)
4. How do you try to look to others? Why do you think looking good on the outside can be a problem?
5. What do you notice Jesus want us to focus on or prioritize in our lives?
6. What can be the dangers of pretending to be what we are not?
7. What are some reasons we wear masks? How can the mask or veil be removed?
8. What is an alternative to trying harder or rely ing on ourselves to be perfect?
Read 2 Cor. 3:16-17 again. What feelings does it evoke? Consider is there masks that you would like have the Lord take off. Ask him in prayer.
Matthew 23:25-28
25 "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You clean the outside of the cup and dish. But on the inside you are full of greed. You only want to satisfy yourselves. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish. Then the outside will also be clean.
27 "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You are like tombs that are painted white. They look beautiful on the outside. But on the inside they are full of the bones of the dead. They are also full of other things that are not pure and clean. 28 It is the same with you. On the outside you seem to be doing what is right. But on the inside you are full of what is wrong. You pretend to be what you are not.
2 Cor. 3:16-17
16 But when anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Holy Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom is also there.
Vocabulary
Pharisee - A member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the law. A hypocritically self-righteous person.
Glory - Great honor, praise, or renown.
Discussion Questions:
1. How are the religious people described in Matt.
2. What images does Jesus use ? Can this apply to us today?
3. What needs cleansing? (Matt. 23)
4. How do you try to look to others? Why do you think looking good on the outside can be a problem?
5. What do you notice Jesus want us to focus on or prioritize in our lives?
6. What can be the dangers of pretending to be what we are not?
7. What are some reasons we wear masks? How can the mask or veil be removed?
8. What is an alternative to trying harder or rely ing on ourselves to be perfect?
Read 2 Cor. 3:16-17 again. What feelings does it evoke? Consider is there masks that you would like have the Lord take off. Ask him in prayer.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Jesus in Action
Opening question: Have you ever seen or experienced a miracle or something that seemed supernatural?
Read Matthew 8:23-34
23 After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples, 24 a terrible storm suddenly struck the lake, and waves started splashing into their boat. Jesus was sound asleep, 25 so the disciples went over to him and woke him up. They said, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" 26 But Jesus replied, "Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith." Then he got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down. And everything was calm. 27 The men in the boat were amazed and said, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him."
28 After Jesus had crossed the lake, he came to shore near the town of Gadara and started down the road. Two men with demons in them came to him from the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could travel that way. 29 Suddenly they shouted, "Jesus, Son of God, what do you want with us? Have you come to punish us before our time?" 30 Not far from there a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 So the demons begged Jesus, "If you force us out, please send us into those pigs!" 32 Jesus told them to go, and they went out of the men and into the pigs. All at once the pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 33 The people taking care of the pigs ran to the town and told everything, especially what had happened to the two men. 34 Everyone in town came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their part of the country.
Discussion questions:
1. Take turns re-telling the 2 stories.
2. What do you notice about Jesus in each story?
3. Do you see anything that is hard to understand in the stories?
4. What would you be thinking, if you saw Jesus doing these things?
5. What kinds of power did Jesus show the people of his day?
6. Based on these stories, who is Jesus to you?
7. Is there a miracle that you need prayer for?
Read Matthew 8:23-34
23 After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples, 24 a terrible storm suddenly struck the lake, and waves started splashing into their boat. Jesus was sound asleep, 25 so the disciples went over to him and woke him up. They said, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" 26 But Jesus replied, "Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith." Then he got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down. And everything was calm. 27 The men in the boat were amazed and said, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him."
28 After Jesus had crossed the lake, he came to shore near the town of Gadara and started down the road. Two men with demons in them came to him from the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could travel that way. 29 Suddenly they shouted, "Jesus, Son of God, what do you want with us? Have you come to punish us before our time?" 30 Not far from there a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 So the demons begged Jesus, "If you force us out, please send us into those pigs!" 32 Jesus told them to go, and they went out of the men and into the pigs. All at once the pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 33 The people taking care of the pigs ran to the town and told everything, especially what had happened to the two men. 34 Everyone in town came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their part of the country.
Discussion questions:
1. Take turns re-telling the 2 stories.
2. What do you notice about Jesus in each story?
3. Do you see anything that is hard to understand in the stories?
4. What would you be thinking, if you saw Jesus doing these things?
5. What kinds of power did Jesus show the people of his day?
6. Based on these stories, who is Jesus to you?
7. Is there a miracle that you need prayer for?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Jesus in Action
Opening Question: Complete the sentence:
Jesus is ______________________ .
Read Matthew 8:1-17
1 As Jesus came down the mountain, he was followed by large crowds. 2 Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, "Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." 3 Jesus put his hand on the man and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared. 4 Jesus told him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show the priest that you are well. Then take a gift to the temple just as Moses commanded, and everyone will know that you have been healed."
5 When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, 6 "Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can't even move." 7 "I will go and heal him," Jesus replied. 8 But the officer said, "Lord, I'm not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 9 I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, 'Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, 'Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, 'Do this!' and he will do it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "I tell you that in all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith! 11 Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 12 But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain." 13 Then Jesus said to the officer, "You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen." Right then his servant was healed.
14 Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. 15 He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal. 16 That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. 17 So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, "He healed our diseases and made us well."
Discussion questions:
1. Are there any words or phrases that you are not sure about?
2. What kinds of things do you notice or find interesting (or confusing) in these verses?
3. Do you have any questions about what Jesus said or did?
4. Do you see any examples that might be good for us to follow?
5. Who is Jesus, according to Matthew?
Jesus is ______________________ .
Read Matthew 8:1-17
1 As Jesus came down the mountain, he was followed by large crowds. 2 Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, "Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." 3 Jesus put his hand on the man and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared. 4 Jesus told him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show the priest that you are well. Then take a gift to the temple just as Moses commanded, and everyone will know that you have been healed."
5 When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, 6 "Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can't even move." 7 "I will go and heal him," Jesus replied. 8 But the officer said, "Lord, I'm not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 9 I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, 'Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, 'Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, 'Do this!' and he will do it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "I tell you that in all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith! 11 Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 12 But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain." 13 Then Jesus said to the officer, "You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen." Right then his servant was healed.
14 Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. 15 He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal. 16 That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. 17 So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, "He healed our diseases and made us well."
Discussion questions:
1. Are there any words or phrases that you are not sure about?
2. What kinds of things do you notice or find interesting (or confusing) in these verses?
3. Do you have any questions about what Jesus said or did?
4. Do you see any examples that might be good for us to follow?
5. Who is Jesus, according to Matthew?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Just Do It
Opening question: Can you tell about a time when someone did something good to you?
Read the following Bible verses:
Matthew 7:21-27
21 Not all those who say “You are our Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants. 22 On the last day many people will say to me, “Lord, Lord, we spoke for you, and through you we forced out demons and did many miracles.” 23 Then I will tell them clearly, “Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you.” 24 Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. 26 Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.
James 1:22-25
22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. 23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. 24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like. 25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
Titus 2:14
14 He gave himself for us so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to him -- people who are always wanting to do good deeds.
Titus 3:8
8 This teaching is true, and I want you to be sure the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.
John 6:28,29
28 The people asked Jesus, "What are the things God wants us to do?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One he sent."
Discussion questions:
1. In your own words, can you re-tell the story that Jesus told us in Matthew 7:24-27?
2. What are the 2 kinds of people that Jesus and James are talking about?
3. What kinds of people get into heaven, according to Jesus?
4. Which good things do you like to do for others at times?
5. What is the #1 thing that God wants people to do?
Read the following Bible verses:
Matthew 7:21-27
21 Not all those who say “You are our Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants. 22 On the last day many people will say to me, “Lord, Lord, we spoke for you, and through you we forced out demons and did many miracles.” 23 Then I will tell them clearly, “Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you.” 24 Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. 26 Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.
James 1:22-25
22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. 23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. 24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like. 25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
Titus 2:14
14 He gave himself for us so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to him -- people who are always wanting to do good deeds.
Titus 3:8
8 This teaching is true, and I want you to be sure the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.
John 6:28,29
28 The people asked Jesus, "What are the things God wants us to do?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One he sent."
Discussion questions:
1. In your own words, can you re-tell the story that Jesus told us in Matthew 7:24-27?
2. What are the 2 kinds of people that Jesus and James are talking about?
3. What kinds of people get into heaven, according to Jesus?
4. Which good things do you like to do for others at times?
5. What is the #1 thing that God wants people to do?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Love is...
Opening Question: Who has given you the best example ever of love?
Let’s read what the Bible says about love:
Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others.
It does not brag. It is not proud. 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. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never fails . . . God is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:8)
Discussion Questions:
1. Are there any descriptions of love that you’re not sure you understand?
2. Can you think of an example for any of the descriptions of love?
3. Who are the most difficult people to love, and why?
4. How can we love the way the Bible says to love?
5. What do you think it means by “God is love”?
Let’s read what the Bible says about love:
Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others.
It does not brag. It is not proud. 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. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never fails . . . God is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:8)
Discussion Questions:
1. Are there any descriptions of love that you’re not sure you understand?
2. Can you think of an example for any of the descriptions of love?
3. Who are the most difficult people to love, and why?
4. How can we love the way the Bible says to love?
5. What do you think it means by “God is love”?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Baptism of the Man from Ethiopia
Opening Question: Have you ever seen someone get baptized?
Read Acts 8:26-39
26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip. "Go south to the desert road," he said. "It's the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So Philip started out. On his way he met an Ethiopian official. The man had an important position. He was in charge of all the wealth of Candace. She was the queen of Ethiopia. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship. 28 On his way home he was sitting in his chariot. He was reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Holy Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot. Stay near it." 30 So Philip ran up to the chariot. He heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you're reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I?" he said. "I need someone to explain it to me." So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Here is the part of Scripture the official was reading. It says, "He was led like a sheep to be killed. Just as lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off, he did not open his mouth. 33 When he was treated badly, he was refused a fair trial. Who can say anything about his children? His life was cut off from the earth." 34 The official said to Philip, "Tell me, please. Who is the prophet talking about? Himself, or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that same part of Scripture. He told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water. The official said, "Look! Here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The official answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 He gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the official went down into the water. Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away. The official did not see him again. He went on his way full of joy.
Word List:
angel –
prophet –
Holy Spirit –
chariot –
Scripture –
cut off –
baptized -
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you re-tell this story in your own words?
2. Do you have any questions about this story?
3. How would you describe Philip and the man from Ethiopia?
4. Who can explain what the man from Ethiopia was reading?
5. Why was important to “believe with all your heart”?
6. What do we have to believe before getting baptized?
7. Why do you think the man from Ethiopia went back to his country “full of joy”?
Read Acts 8:26-39
26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip. "Go south to the desert road," he said. "It's the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So Philip started out. On his way he met an Ethiopian official. The man had an important position. He was in charge of all the wealth of Candace. She was the queen of Ethiopia. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship. 28 On his way home he was sitting in his chariot. He was reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Holy Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot. Stay near it." 30 So Philip ran up to the chariot. He heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you're reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I?" he said. "I need someone to explain it to me." So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Here is the part of Scripture the official was reading. It says, "He was led like a sheep to be killed. Just as lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off, he did not open his mouth. 33 When he was treated badly, he was refused a fair trial. Who can say anything about his children? His life was cut off from the earth." 34 The official said to Philip, "Tell me, please. Who is the prophet talking about? Himself, or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that same part of Scripture. He told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water. The official said, "Look! Here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The official answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 He gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the official went down into the water. Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away. The official did not see him again. He went on his way full of joy.
Word List:
angel –
prophet –
Holy Spirit –
chariot –
Scripture –
cut off –
baptized -
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you re-tell this story in your own words?
2. Do you have any questions about this story?
3. How would you describe Philip and the man from Ethiopia?
4. Who can explain what the man from Ethiopia was reading?
5. Why was important to “believe with all your heart”?
6. What do we have to believe before getting baptized?
7. Why do you think the man from Ethiopia went back to his country “full of joy”?
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Roman Road
Opening Question: How’s your journey down the road of life going so far?
Read the following:
Romans 1:19,20
19 People know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities -- His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Romans 3:23
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 5:8
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-13
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on Him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Word List:
Sin, Standard, Wages, Confess, Saved, Disgrace, Jew, Gentile
Discuss the following:
1. Do you believe that a BIG BANG or a BIG GOD created the universe? Explain.
2. What do you think is the worst sin that can be committed?
3. How would you describe God’s love? Give an example.
4. What kind of “death” do you think Romans 6:23 is talking about?
5. In your opinion, what is “eternal life”?
6. What does it mean to be “saved”?
7. How can we be have eternal life and be saved?
Read the following:
Romans 1:19,20
19 People know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities -- His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Romans 3:23
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 5:8
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-13
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on Him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Word List:
Sin, Standard, Wages, Confess, Saved, Disgrace, Jew, Gentile
Discuss the following:
1. Do you believe that a BIG BANG or a BIG GOD created the universe? Explain.
2. What do you think is the worst sin that can be committed?
3. How would you describe God’s love? Give an example.
4. What kind of “death” do you think Romans 6:23 is talking about?
5. In your opinion, what is “eternal life”?
6. What does it mean to be “saved”?
7. How can we be have eternal life and be saved?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sword
Opening question: What do people say about you?
Read out loud and silently the following Bible verses:
Matthew 10:32-39
32 All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me. 33 But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me. 34 Don't think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 I have come so that "a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law. 36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family. " (Micah 7:6) 37 "Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. 38 Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.
John 12:42,43
42 Many believed in Jesus, even many of the leaders. But because of the Pharisees, they did not say they believed in him for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 They loved praise from people more than praise from God.
John 15:5
5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Word list:
Pharisees – a powerful religious organization that ruled Israel 2000 years ago.
synagogue – the place where the Jewish people would meet every Saturday for worship.
Discussion questions:
1. What problem did the Jewish leaders face, as we read in John 12?
2. Why do we care so much about what people think about us?
3. How important are your parents’ thoughts about you?
4. Why do you think Jesus used the word “sword”?
5. What do you think it means to “carry the cross”?
6. Where does the believer’s strength to tell others about Jesus come from?
Read out loud and silently the following Bible verses:
Matthew 10:32-39
32 All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me. 33 But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me. 34 Don't think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 I have come so that "a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law. 36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family. " (Micah 7:6) 37 "Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. 38 Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.
John 12:42,43
42 Many believed in Jesus, even many of the leaders. But because of the Pharisees, they did not say they believed in him for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 They loved praise from people more than praise from God.
John 15:5
5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Word list:
Pharisees – a powerful religious organization that ruled Israel 2000 years ago.
synagogue – the place where the Jewish people would meet every Saturday for worship.
Discussion questions:
1. What problem did the Jewish leaders face, as we read in John 12?
2. Why do we care so much about what people think about us?
3. How important are your parents’ thoughts about you?
4. Why do you think Jesus used the word “sword”?
5. What do you think it means to “carry the cross”?
6. Where does the believer’s strength to tell others about Jesus come from?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Peace
Opening Question: Did you have a peaceful week? If so, give an example.
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
Isaiah 9:6
6 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.
Matthew 5:9
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Colossians 1:20
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Let’s discuss what we just read about peace:
1)What does “peace” mean to you?
2)Who is the “child” mentioned in the first verse above, and how is he the “prince of peace”?
3)How can we have peace with God?
4)What does it mean to “work for” and “search for” peace?
5)Can you think of some examples of the lack of peace today in the world? In your country? In your life?
6)Thought question: Is there anyone that you need to make peace with, besides God?
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
Isaiah 9:6
6 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.
Matthew 5:9
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Colossians 1:20
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Let’s discuss what we just read about peace:
1)What does “peace” mean to you?
2)Who is the “child” mentioned in the first verse above, and how is he the “prince of peace”?
3)How can we have peace with God?
4)What does it mean to “work for” and “search for” peace?
5)Can you think of some examples of the lack of peace today in the world? In your country? In your life?
6)Thought question: Is there anyone that you need to make peace with, besides God?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Revelation of Jesus - Part 4
Opening Question: What has been the highlight of your summer so far?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 out loud as a group, and again silently by yourself:
11 We know what it means to have respect for the Lord. So we try to help other people to understand it. What we are is plain to God. I hope it is also plain to your way of thinking. 12 We are not trying to make an appeal to you again. But we are giving you a chance to take pride in us. Then you can answer those who take pride in how people look rather than in what is really in their hearts. 13 Are we out of our minds? That is because we want to serve God. Does what we say make sense? That is because we want to serve you. 14 Christ's love controls us. We are sure that one person died for everyone. And so everyone died. 15 Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we don't look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don't anymore. 17 Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come! 18 It is all from God. He brought us back to himself through Christ's death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. 19 God was bringing the world back to himself through Christ. He did not hold people's sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to him. 20 So we are Christ's official messengers. It is as if God were making his appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God! 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.
Try to find the following questions from the verses above:
1) Is there anything hard to understand in any of the verses above?
2) How does God see us before and after we are right with God?
3) Who was Jesus Christ, and what was his mission?
4) How can we be made right with God?
5) Is there something in your life that needs to be made right with God?
6) What is the primary job of the Christian?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 out loud as a group, and again silently by yourself:
11 We know what it means to have respect for the Lord. So we try to help other people to understand it. What we are is plain to God. I hope it is also plain to your way of thinking. 12 We are not trying to make an appeal to you again. But we are giving you a chance to take pride in us. Then you can answer those who take pride in how people look rather than in what is really in their hearts. 13 Are we out of our minds? That is because we want to serve God. Does what we say make sense? That is because we want to serve you. 14 Christ's love controls us. We are sure that one person died for everyone. And so everyone died. 15 Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we don't look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don't anymore. 17 Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come! 18 It is all from God. He brought us back to himself through Christ's death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. 19 God was bringing the world back to himself through Christ. He did not hold people's sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to him. 20 So we are Christ's official messengers. It is as if God were making his appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God! 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.
Try to find the following questions from the verses above:
1) Is there anything hard to understand in any of the verses above?
2) How does God see us before and after we are right with God?
3) Who was Jesus Christ, and what was his mission?
4) How can we be made right with God?
5) Is there something in your life that needs to be made right with God?
6) What is the primary job of the Christian?
Friday, July 23, 2010
PCU and GKU
Dan Brannen led the study portion of ICF on Friday. The following is a brief description:
Imagine that we are high school students, touring different universities. The two universities we get to tour today are Politically Correct University (PCU) and God's Kingdom University (GKU).
At the PCU tour, we learned about how to distinguish between values. PCU gave us a value (like running away from bears), and we had to choose whether it was a 1 - personal value, 2 - cultural value, or 3 - universal value. Individuals were asked why they thought the value was one of the three. Some of the other values were speaking Arabic, speaking Arabic as a foreign language, and wearing white mourning robes for 30 days.
During the GKU, we learned that we need to determine our values based on God's book - the Bible. We base our values on what the KING wants and what His Book (the Bible) says, not on our personal opinion or on what the culture around us tells us. Like the PCU tour, we had to choose between 3 categories. The categories are 1 - celebrate/embrace, 2 - reject, and 3 - redeem. The celebrate category includes values that are in-line with the Bible and should be enjoyed and celebrated. The reject category includes things in-which the Bible teaches against. And the redeem category includes values which are wrong, but which can be turned into something good. Like before, individuals were asked to state why they picked each category for the value stated. Some of the values included wearing a jade dragon, having more than one wife, arranged marriages, and "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".
As students of GKU, we would learn that we should not reject all of the cultural values of the country that we live in. As the three categories suggest, there are some values that should be embraced and others that should be rejected, and others that need to be redeemed. Some of the verses that address these issues are 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 5:13-16, Phillipians 2:14-15, and Ephesians 5:8-11. I encourage you to look them up right now.
After touring these two university and participating in the games where we had to decide what category each value fit into, which university do you want to go to? Why? What are some of your thoughts about it?
Imagine that we are high school students, touring different universities. The two universities we get to tour today are Politically Correct University (PCU) and God's Kingdom University (GKU).
At the PCU tour, we learned about how to distinguish between values. PCU gave us a value (like running away from bears), and we had to choose whether it was a 1 - personal value, 2 - cultural value, or 3 - universal value. Individuals were asked why they thought the value was one of the three. Some of the other values were speaking Arabic, speaking Arabic as a foreign language, and wearing white mourning robes for 30 days.
During the GKU, we learned that we need to determine our values based on God's book - the Bible. We base our values on what the KING wants and what His Book (the Bible) says, not on our personal opinion or on what the culture around us tells us. Like the PCU tour, we had to choose between 3 categories. The categories are 1 - celebrate/embrace, 2 - reject, and 3 - redeem. The celebrate category includes values that are in-line with the Bible and should be enjoyed and celebrated. The reject category includes things in-which the Bible teaches against. And the redeem category includes values which are wrong, but which can be turned into something good. Like before, individuals were asked to state why they picked each category for the value stated. Some of the values included wearing a jade dragon, having more than one wife, arranged marriages, and "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".
As students of GKU, we would learn that we should not reject all of the cultural values of the country that we live in. As the three categories suggest, there are some values that should be embraced and others that should be rejected, and others that need to be redeemed. Some of the verses that address these issues are 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 5:13-16, Phillipians 2:14-15, and Ephesians 5:8-11. I encourage you to look them up right now.
After touring these two university and participating in the games where we had to decide what category each value fit into, which university do you want to go to? Why? What are some of your thoughts about it?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Revelation of Jesus - Part 3
Opening question: If God was a man, what do you think that man be like?
Let’s read about Jesus out loud the first time, and then again silently, circling any words that you’re not sure about:
John 1:1-3, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 10:28-33
28 "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." 31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him. 32 But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 33 "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
John 17:3
3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Thought Questions:
1) Is there anything that you don’t understand in the Bible verses above?
2) According to the Bible, what’s the relationship between God and Jesus?
3) If Jesus is the one, true Creator God, how can Jesus help people today and in the future?
4) Have you come to the point in your life where you know for sure -- 100% -- that you’re going to heaven?
5) If you were to die tonight and stand before God, and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” what would your answer would be?
6) How can we know for sure that we have eternal life, according to the verses above?
7) Why do you think it might be good to know for sure that you’re going to heaven?
Let’s read about Jesus out loud the first time, and then again silently, circling any words that you’re not sure about:
John 1:1-3, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 10:28-33
28 "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." 31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him. 32 But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 33 "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
John 17:3
3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Thought Questions:
1) Is there anything that you don’t understand in the Bible verses above?
2) According to the Bible, what’s the relationship between God and Jesus?
3) If Jesus is the one, true Creator God, how can Jesus help people today and in the future?
4) Have you come to the point in your life where you know for sure -- 100% -- that you’re going to heaven?
5) If you were to die tonight and stand before God, and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” what would your answer would be?
6) How can we know for sure that we have eternal life, according to the verses above?
7) Why do you think it might be good to know for sure that you’re going to heaven?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Revelation of Jesus - Part 2
Opening Question: Do you like to get new things?
Read Revelation 21:5-8; 22:12-17, 20 out loud in your group, and again silently and slowly.
Revelation 21:5-8
5 He who was sitting on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down. You can trust these words. They are true." 6 He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. Anyone who is thirsty may drink from the spring of the water of life. It doesn't cost anything! 7 Anyone who overcomes will receive all this from me. I will be his God, and he will be my child. 8 But others will have their place in the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Those who are afraid and those who do not believe will be there. Murderers and those who pollute themselves will join them. Those who commit sexual sins and those who practice witchcraft will go there. Those who worship statues of gods and all who tell lies will be there too. It is the second death."
Revelation 22:12-17, 20
12 “Look! I am coming soon! I bring my rewards with me. I will reward each person for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will have the right to come to the tree of life. They will be allowed to go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside the city are the dogs and those who practice witchcraft. Outside are also those who commit sexual sins and murder. Those who worship statues of gods, and everyone who loves and does what is false, are outside too. 16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this witness for the churches. I am the Root and the Son of David. I am the bright Morning Star." 17 The Holy Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let those who hear say, "Come!" Anyone who is thirsty should come. Anyone who wants to take the free gift of the water of life should do so." 20 He who gives witness to these things says, "Yes. I am coming soon."
Thought Questions:
1. What does you wish Jesus would make new in today’s world?
2. Make a list of all the descriptions of Jesus.
3. What is your favorite description of Jesus, and why?
4. What do you think the following represent: water of life, second death, robes, tree of life, the city, dogs
5. What do you think it means for people to “wash their robes”?
6. How can people escape the “lake of fire”?
7. How can people “drink from the spring of the water of life” and “come to the tree of life”?
Read Revelation 21:5-8; 22:12-17, 20 out loud in your group, and again silently and slowly.
Revelation 21:5-8
5 He who was sitting on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down. You can trust these words. They are true." 6 He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. Anyone who is thirsty may drink from the spring of the water of life. It doesn't cost anything! 7 Anyone who overcomes will receive all this from me. I will be his God, and he will be my child. 8 But others will have their place in the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Those who are afraid and those who do not believe will be there. Murderers and those who pollute themselves will join them. Those who commit sexual sins and those who practice witchcraft will go there. Those who worship statues of gods and all who tell lies will be there too. It is the second death."
Revelation 22:12-17, 20
12 “Look! I am coming soon! I bring my rewards with me. I will reward each person for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will have the right to come to the tree of life. They will be allowed to go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside the city are the dogs and those who practice witchcraft. Outside are also those who commit sexual sins and murder. Those who worship statues of gods, and everyone who loves and does what is false, are outside too. 16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this witness for the churches. I am the Root and the Son of David. I am the bright Morning Star." 17 The Holy Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let those who hear say, "Come!" Anyone who is thirsty should come. Anyone who wants to take the free gift of the water of life should do so." 20 He who gives witness to these things says, "Yes. I am coming soon."
Thought Questions:
1. What does you wish Jesus would make new in today’s world?
2. Make a list of all the descriptions of Jesus.
3. What is your favorite description of Jesus, and why?
4. What do you think the following represent: water of life, second death, robes, tree of life, the city, dogs
5. What do you think it means for people to “wash their robes”?
6. How can people escape the “lake of fire”?
7. How can people “drink from the spring of the water of life” and “come to the tree of life”?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Revelation of Jesus - Part 1
Opening Question: Have you ever been shocked to see someone for some reason?
Read Revelation 1:4-18 out loud as a group, and then again silently.
4 I, John, am writing this letter. I am sending it to the seven churches in Asia Minor:
May grace and peace come to you from the One who is, and who was, and who will come. May grace and peace come to you from the seven spirits who are in front of God's throne. 5 May grace and peace come to you from Jesus Christ. What Jesus gives witness to can always be trusted. He was the first to rise from the dead. He rules over the kings of the earth. Give glory and power to the One who loves us! He has set us free from our sins by pouring out his blood for us. 6 He has made us members of his royal family. He has made us priests who serve his God and Father. Give him glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
7 Look! He is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him. Even those who pierced him will see him. All the nations of the earth will be sad because of him. This will really happen! Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," says the Lord God. "I am the One who is, and who was, and who will come. I am the Almighty." 9 I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus' royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us. I was on the island of Patmos because I taught God's word and what Jesus said. 10 The Holy Spirit took complete control of me on the Lord's Day. I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet. 11 The voice said, "Write on a scroll what you see. Send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
12 I turned around to see who was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of them was someone who looked "like a Son of man." He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. Then he put his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell."
Thought Questions:
1) Is there anything that you have a hard time understanding?
2) What is your favorite description of Jesus, and why?
3) Who is Jesus? Explain.
4) What has Jesus done for us, according to these verses?
5) How can we be “freed from our sins” like we read in 1:5?
6) What difference does it make, if Jesus is “alive forever and ever”?
Read Revelation 1:4-18 out loud as a group, and then again silently.
4 I, John, am writing this letter. I am sending it to the seven churches in Asia Minor:
May grace and peace come to you from the One who is, and who was, and who will come. May grace and peace come to you from the seven spirits who are in front of God's throne. 5 May grace and peace come to you from Jesus Christ. What Jesus gives witness to can always be trusted. He was the first to rise from the dead. He rules over the kings of the earth. Give glory and power to the One who loves us! He has set us free from our sins by pouring out his blood for us. 6 He has made us members of his royal family. He has made us priests who serve his God and Father. Give him glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
7 Look! He is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him. Even those who pierced him will see him. All the nations of the earth will be sad because of him. This will really happen! Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," says the Lord God. "I am the One who is, and who was, and who will come. I am the Almighty." 9 I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus' royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us. I was on the island of Patmos because I taught God's word and what Jesus said. 10 The Holy Spirit took complete control of me on the Lord's Day. I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet. 11 The voice said, "Write on a scroll what you see. Send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
12 I turned around to see who was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of them was someone who looked "like a Son of man." He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. Then he put his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell."
Thought Questions:
1) Is there anything that you have a hard time understanding?
2) What is your favorite description of Jesus, and why?
3) Who is Jesus? Explain.
4) What has Jesus done for us, according to these verses?
5) How can we be “freed from our sins” like we read in 1:5?
6) What difference does it make, if Jesus is “alive forever and ever”?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Temptation
Opening Question: Have you ever been tempted in any way?
Read Matthew 4:1-11 / Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time, and angels came and attended him.
Questions:
1) Are there any words, or verses, that you don’t quite understand?
2) Who is the “devil” and what is he like, according to this part of the Bible?
3) What does it mean to be “tempted”?
4) How did Jesus respond to the devil’s temptations? Discuss.
5) Who was involved with Jesus before and after he was tempted? Explain.
6) How can we respond when we are tempted to do something that’s against God or against other people?
Read Matthew 4:1-11 / Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time, and angels came and attended him.
Questions:
1) Are there any words, or verses, that you don’t quite understand?
2) Who is the “devil” and what is he like, according to this part of the Bible?
3) What does it mean to be “tempted”?
4) How did Jesus respond to the devil’s temptations? Discuss.
5) Who was involved with Jesus before and after he was tempted? Explain.
6) How can we respond when we are tempted to do something that’s against God or against other people?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Praise God
Opening Question: What are you most thankful about this past school year?
1. What does it mean to “praise”?
2. What do you notice people like to praise, besides God? Give examples.
3. What do you notice about praise in the following passage from the Bible:
18 God shows His anger from heaven. It is against all the godless and evil things people do. They are so evil that they say no to the truth. 19 The truth about God is plain to them. God has made it plain. 20 Ever since the world was created it has been possible to see the qualities of God that are not seen. I'm talking about His eternal power and about the fact that He is God. Those things can be seen in what He has made. So people have no excuse for what they do. 21 They knew God. But they didn't honor Him as God. They didn't thank Him. Their thinking became worthless. Their foolish hearts became dark. 22 They claimed to be wise. But they made fools of themselves. 23 They would rather have statues of gods than the glorious God who lives forever. Their statues of gods are made to look like people, birds, animals and reptiles. 24 So God let them go. He allowed them to do what their sinful hearts wanted to. He let them commit sexual sins. They polluted one another's bodies by what they did. 25 They chose a lie instead of God's truth. They worshiped and served created things. They didn't worship the Creator. But He must be praised forever. Amen.
Romans 1:18-25
4. What does the verse below say to you?
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. For thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11
5. What does the following Bible verse mean to you?
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6
6. How would you explain the connection between praising God and serving man, like we see below?
15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:15,16
7. Close in praise.
1. What does it mean to “praise”?
2. What do you notice people like to praise, besides God? Give examples.
3. What do you notice about praise in the following passage from the Bible:
18 God shows His anger from heaven. It is against all the godless and evil things people do. They are so evil that they say no to the truth. 19 The truth about God is plain to them. God has made it plain. 20 Ever since the world was created it has been possible to see the qualities of God that are not seen. I'm talking about His eternal power and about the fact that He is God. Those things can be seen in what He has made. So people have no excuse for what they do. 21 They knew God. But they didn't honor Him as God. They didn't thank Him. Their thinking became worthless. Their foolish hearts became dark. 22 They claimed to be wise. But they made fools of themselves. 23 They would rather have statues of gods than the glorious God who lives forever. Their statues of gods are made to look like people, birds, animals and reptiles. 24 So God let them go. He allowed them to do what their sinful hearts wanted to. He let them commit sexual sins. They polluted one another's bodies by what they did. 25 They chose a lie instead of God's truth. They worshiped and served created things. They didn't worship the Creator. But He must be praised forever. Amen.
Romans 1:18-25
4. What does the verse below say to you?
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. For thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11
5. What does the following Bible verse mean to you?
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6
6. How would you explain the connection between praising God and serving man, like we see below?
15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:15,16
7. Close in praise.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Widow and the Oil
Opening Question: Do you believe in miracles?
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7
1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. She said, "My husband is dead. You know how much respect he had for the Lord. But he owed money to someone. And now that person is coming to take my two boys away. They will become his slaves." 2 Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me. What do you have in your house?" "I don't have anything there at all," she said. "All I have is a little olive oil." 3 Elisha said, "Go around to all of your neighbors. Ask them for empty jars. Get as many as you can. 4 Then go inside your house. Shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all of the jars. As each jar is filled, put it over to one side." 5 The woman left him. After that, she shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her. And she kept pouring. 6 When all of the jars were full, she spoke to one of her sons. She said, "Bring me another jar." But he replied, "There aren't any more left." Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She went and told the man of God about it. He said, "Go and sell the oil. Pay what you owe. You and your sons can live on what is left."
Discussion:
1. Try to tell this story again in your own words.
2. Describe what the following characters did:
The widow -
Elisha -
The widow’s sons -
God -
3. What do you think the widow felt before and after the miracle? Why?
4. What do you have that God can multiply and use for your own good, and for the good of others?
5. What can we learn from this story?
6. What do the following promises from the Bible say to you?
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Ephesians 3:20
My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches that come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won't he also freely give us everything else? Romans 8:32
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7
1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. She said, "My husband is dead. You know how much respect he had for the Lord. But he owed money to someone. And now that person is coming to take my two boys away. They will become his slaves." 2 Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me. What do you have in your house?" "I don't have anything there at all," she said. "All I have is a little olive oil." 3 Elisha said, "Go around to all of your neighbors. Ask them for empty jars. Get as many as you can. 4 Then go inside your house. Shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all of the jars. As each jar is filled, put it over to one side." 5 The woman left him. After that, she shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her. And she kept pouring. 6 When all of the jars were full, she spoke to one of her sons. She said, "Bring me another jar." But he replied, "There aren't any more left." Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She went and told the man of God about it. He said, "Go and sell the oil. Pay what you owe. You and your sons can live on what is left."
Discussion:
1. Try to tell this story again in your own words.
2. Describe what the following characters did:
The widow -
Elisha -
The widow’s sons -
God -
3. What do you think the widow felt before and after the miracle? Why?
4. What do you have that God can multiply and use for your own good, and for the good of others?
5. What can we learn from this story?
6. What do the following promises from the Bible say to you?
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Ephesians 3:20
My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches that come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won't he also freely give us everything else? Romans 8:32
Friday, May 28, 2010
Hope and a Future
Opening Question: What do you hope for in the future?
Read Jeremiah 29:1-14
1 The prophet Jeremiah sent the following letter from Jerusalem to Babylonia. It was for the Jewish elders who were still alive there. It was also for the Jewish priests and prophets in Babylonia. And it was for all of the other Jewish people Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 It was sent to them after Jehoiachin, the king of Israel, had been forced to leave Jerusalem. His mother and the court officials were taken with him. The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem and all of the skilled workers had also been forced to go to Babylon. 3 Jeremiah gave the letter to Elasah and Gemariah. And Zedekiah, the king of Judah, sent them with the letter to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Here is what the letter said:
4 The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He speaks to all those he forced to go from Jerusalem to Babylon. He says, 5 “Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Get married. Have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Give your daughters to be married. Then they too can have sons and daughters. Increase your numbers there. Do not let the number of your people get smaller. 7 Also, work for the success of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the Lord for that city. If it succeeds, you too will enjoy success.” 8 The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He says, “Do not let the prophets trick you. Do not be fooled by those who claim to have secret knowledge. Do not listen to people who try to explain their dreams to you. 9 All of them are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” announces the Lord. 10 The Lord says, “You will be forced to live in Babylonia for 70 years. After they are over, I will come to you. My gracious promise to you will come true. I will bring you back home. 11 I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. 12 Then you will call out to me. You will come and pray to me. And I will listen to you. 13 When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” announces the Lord. “And I will bring you back from where you were taken as prisoners. I will gather you from all of the nations. I will gather you from the places where I have forced you to go,” announces the Lord. “I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you away.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think God told Israel to build, plant, marry, have children, work hard and pray for their host country, when they were being treated like prisoners?
2. What was the warning that God gave to the people of Israel?
3. What was the “gracious promise” God was making to Israel?
4. What did God want from Israel? What does he want from us?
5. Does God promise anything to mankind today?
Read Jeremiah 29:1-14
1 The prophet Jeremiah sent the following letter from Jerusalem to Babylonia. It was for the Jewish elders who were still alive there. It was also for the Jewish priests and prophets in Babylonia. And it was for all of the other Jewish people Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 It was sent to them after Jehoiachin, the king of Israel, had been forced to leave Jerusalem. His mother and the court officials were taken with him. The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem and all of the skilled workers had also been forced to go to Babylon. 3 Jeremiah gave the letter to Elasah and Gemariah. And Zedekiah, the king of Judah, sent them with the letter to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Here is what the letter said:
4 The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He speaks to all those he forced to go from Jerusalem to Babylon. He says, 5 “Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Get married. Have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Give your daughters to be married. Then they too can have sons and daughters. Increase your numbers there. Do not let the number of your people get smaller. 7 Also, work for the success of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the Lord for that city. If it succeeds, you too will enjoy success.” 8 The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He says, “Do not let the prophets trick you. Do not be fooled by those who claim to have secret knowledge. Do not listen to people who try to explain their dreams to you. 9 All of them are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” announces the Lord. 10 The Lord says, “You will be forced to live in Babylonia for 70 years. After they are over, I will come to you. My gracious promise to you will come true. I will bring you back home. 11 I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. 12 Then you will call out to me. You will come and pray to me. And I will listen to you. 13 When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” announces the Lord. “And I will bring you back from where you were taken as prisoners. I will gather you from all of the nations. I will gather you from the places where I have forced you to go,” announces the Lord. “I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you away.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think God told Israel to build, plant, marry, have children, work hard and pray for their host country, when they were being treated like prisoners?
2. What was the warning that God gave to the people of Israel?
3. What was the “gracious promise” God was making to Israel?
4. What did God want from Israel? What does he want from us?
5. Does God promise anything to mankind today?
Friday, May 14, 2010
Abraham and Isaac
We began by watching a short movie on Abraham's willing obedience to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Please read the account for yourself in Genesis 22.
Opening Question: What was the highlight and/or lowlight of your week?
Discussion:
1. Try to tell the story of Abraham and Isaac again in your own words.
2. How would you describe Abraham’s relationship with Isaac before and after the test?
3. Agree or disagree: God was mean and cruel to test Abraham in such an extreme way.
4. What do you think about the animal that was caught by its horns in the bush?
5. Make a list of the most important people, things, or desires of your life:
- People
-Things
-Desires
6. Does God have the right to take away anything from our lives? Why or why not?
7. What can we learn about God from this story?
Opening Question: What was the highlight and/or lowlight of your week?
Discussion:
1. Try to tell the story of Abraham and Isaac again in your own words.
2. How would you describe Abraham’s relationship with Isaac before and after the test?
3. Agree or disagree: God was mean and cruel to test Abraham in such an extreme way.
4. What do you think about the animal that was caught by its horns in the bush?
5. Make a list of the most important people, things, or desires of your life:
- People
-Things
-Desires
6. Does God have the right to take away anything from our lives? Why or why not?
7. What can we learn about God from this story?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Abram's Reward
We watched a short movie based on Genesis 12 to 15:6. It is about the call of Abram through Abram's rescue of Lot. Then we discussed the following questions in small groups.
1) How was Abram’s trust in God, love for people, and generosity demonstrated . . .
In his choice to leave his country?
During his discussion with Lot about where to live?
In his response to learning about Lot’s capture?
In his relationship with Melchizedek, the king of Salem and prince of God?
2) Why did God tell Abram to count the stars?
3) God said to Abram, “I am your shield, your very great reward.”
In which area of your life do you need God to be “your shield”? Why?
Is God a “your very great reward” right now? Explain.
4) How would you score yourself, according to the following values in life:
My comfort <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Serving people?
Acquiring more <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Living on Less?
Keeping for myself <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Generosity to others?
5) Which of Abram’s characteristics would you like to experience in your own life, and why?
1) How was Abram’s trust in God, love for people, and generosity demonstrated . . .
In his choice to leave his country?
During his discussion with Lot about where to live?
In his response to learning about Lot’s capture?
In his relationship with Melchizedek, the king of Salem and prince of God?
2) Why did God tell Abram to count the stars?
3) God said to Abram, “I am your shield, your very great reward.”
In which area of your life do you need God to be “your shield”? Why?
Is God a “your very great reward” right now? Explain.
4) How would you score yourself, according to the following values in life:
My comfort <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Serving people?
Acquiring more <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Living on Less?
Keeping for myself <1-----2-----3-----4-----5> Generosity to others?
5) Which of Abram’s characteristics would you like to experience in your own life, and why?
Friday, April 30, 2010
the Good Samaritan
Opening Question: How do you show your friends and family that you love them?
Let’s read and discus what the Bible says about loving your neighbor.
Luke 10:25-37
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27 He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself..' " 28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
1 John 4:10-11
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.
Word List:
expert on the law – an expert in the religious laws that the Jewish people of Israel had to follow
priest / Levite – religious leaders of Israel
Samaritans – people who were hated by the Jews, because their blood was not 100% Jewish
two silver coins – two day’s wages (enough to stay in a motel for two months)
Discussion Questions:
Q1 What did the priest and Levite do when they saw the injured man lying on the road (31-32)?
Q2 What did the Samaritan do when he saw the injured man lying on the road?
Q3 How much money did the Samaritan spend on the injured man? How much time?
Q4 According to the story, who is the neighbor to the injured man?
Q5 Today, who has been a good neighbor to you? Who is your neighbor?
Q6 According to 1 John 4:10-11, why do you love your neighbor?
Q7 What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself”? How will you “love your neighbor as yourself” this week?
Let’s read and discus what the Bible says about loving your neighbor.
Luke 10:25-37
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27 He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself..' " 28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
1 John 4:10-11
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.
Word List:
expert on the law – an expert in the religious laws that the Jewish people of Israel had to follow
priest / Levite – religious leaders of Israel
Samaritans – people who were hated by the Jews, because their blood was not 100% Jewish
two silver coins – two day’s wages (enough to stay in a motel for two months)
Discussion Questions:
Q1 What did the priest and Levite do when they saw the injured man lying on the road (31-32)?
Q2 What did the Samaritan do when he saw the injured man lying on the road?
Q3 How much money did the Samaritan spend on the injured man? How much time?
Q4 According to the story, who is the neighbor to the injured man?
Q5 Today, who has been a good neighbor to you? Who is your neighbor?
Q6 According to 1 John 4:10-11, why do you love your neighbor?
Q7 What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself”? How will you “love your neighbor as yourself” this week?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sexual Immorality
Opening Question: How would you describe the perfect marriage partner?
Let’s read about what the Bible says about sexuality immorality.
Matthew 5:27-30
27You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery." 28 But here is what I tell you. Do not even look at a woman in the wrong way. Anyone who does has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. Your eye is only one part of your body. It is better to lose it than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. Your hand is only one part of your body. It is better to lose it than for your whole body to go into hell.
Q: What is so bad about adultery?
Q: What do you think Jesus means by “poking out your eye” and “cutting off your hand”?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20
9Don't you know that evil people will not receive God's kingdom? Don't be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship statues of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who are prostitutes or who commit homosexual acts. 10 Neither will thieves or those who always want more and more. Neither will those who are often drunk or tell lies or cheat. People who live like that will not receive God's kingdom. 11 Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of that was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 18 Keep far away from sexual sins. All the other sins a person commits are outside his body. But sexual sins are sins against one's own body. 19 Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you. You have received him from God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God.
Q: How can we experience what the Corinthian Christians experienced, as we read in verse 11?
Q: What does it mean by "your bodies are temples" in verse 19?
Revelation 21:8
8 Many will have their place in the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Those who are afraid and those who do not believe will be there. Murderers and those who pollute themselves will join them. Those who commit sexual sins and those who practice witchcraft will go there. Those who worship statues of gods and all who tell lies will be there too. It is the second death.
Q: What is the "lake of fire" and the "second death" and how can we escape it?
Revelation 22:12-15
12 Look! I am coming soon! I bring my rewards with me. I will reward each person for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will have the right to come to the tree of life. They will be allowed to go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside the city are the dogs and those who practice witchcraft. Outside are also those who commit sexual sins and murder. Those who worship statues of gods, and everyone who loves and does what is false, are outside too.
Q: How can we experience what Jesus describes in verse 14?
Let’s read about what the Bible says about sexuality immorality.
Matthew 5:27-30
27You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery." 28 But here is what I tell you. Do not even look at a woman in the wrong way. Anyone who does has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. Your eye is only one part of your body. It is better to lose it than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. Your hand is only one part of your body. It is better to lose it than for your whole body to go into hell.
Q: What is so bad about adultery?
Q: What do you think Jesus means by “poking out your eye” and “cutting off your hand”?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20
9Don't you know that evil people will not receive God's kingdom? Don't be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship statues of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who are prostitutes or who commit homosexual acts. 10 Neither will thieves or those who always want more and more. Neither will those who are often drunk or tell lies or cheat. People who live like that will not receive God's kingdom. 11 Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of that was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 18 Keep far away from sexual sins. All the other sins a person commits are outside his body. But sexual sins are sins against one's own body. 19 Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you. You have received him from God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God.
Q: How can we experience what the Corinthian Christians experienced, as we read in verse 11?
Q: What does it mean by "your bodies are temples" in verse 19?
Revelation 21:8
8 Many will have their place in the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Those who are afraid and those who do not believe will be there. Murderers and those who pollute themselves will join them. Those who commit sexual sins and those who practice witchcraft will go there. Those who worship statues of gods and all who tell lies will be there too. It is the second death.
Q: What is the "lake of fire" and the "second death" and how can we escape it?
Revelation 22:12-15
12 Look! I am coming soon! I bring my rewards with me. I will reward each person for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will have the right to come to the tree of life. They will be allowed to go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside the city are the dogs and those who practice witchcraft. Outside are also those who commit sexual sins and murder. Those who worship statues of gods, and everyone who loves and does what is false, are outside too.
Q: How can we experience what Jesus describes in verse 14?
Friday, April 9, 2010
Anger
Opening Question: Can you describe the last time you got angry?
Let’s read and discuss what the Bible says about Anger, going over any difficult words:
Exodus 34:6,7
6 The LORD passed before Moses and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation."
Q: How would you describe what God is like, according to these two verses?
Q: Can you try to put verse 7 into your own words?
Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger.
Q: Can you give an example of what Proverbs 15:1 is saying?
James 1:19
19 My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.
Q: What do you think is the connection between listening, speaking and getting angry?
Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”
Q: How do you feel when you are angry? And when someone is angry with you?
Q: Is there someone in your life that you are angry with, or who you think may be angry with you? If so, what are you going to do about it?
Let’s read and discuss what the Bible says about Anger, going over any difficult words:
Exodus 34:6,7
6 The LORD passed before Moses and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation."
Q: How would you describe what God is like, according to these two verses?
Q: Can you try to put verse 7 into your own words?
Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger.
Q: Can you give an example of what Proverbs 15:1 is saying?
James 1:19
19 My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.
Q: What do you think is the connection between listening, speaking and getting angry?
Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”
Q: How do you feel when you are angry? And when someone is angry with you?
Q: Is there someone in your life that you are angry with, or who you think may be angry with you? If so, what are you going to do about it?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
We watched the last 30 minutes of the Jesus movie about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Then we discussed the following questions.
Do you have any questions about what you saw?
From what you know, why was Jesus killed on a cross?
How did the men and women who followed Jesus respond to his resurrection?
If you believe that Jesus rose from the dead, can you explain why you believe this?
What difference does it make if the resurrection is true?
If you would like to know how to get a copy of the Jesus movie, please e-mail Jeff at isiwa@comcast.net
Do you have any questions about what you saw?
From what you know, why was Jesus killed on a cross?
How did the men and women who followed Jesus respond to his resurrection?
If you believe that Jesus rose from the dead, can you explain why you believe this?
What difference does it make if the resurrection is true?
If you would like to know how to get a copy of the Jesus movie, please e-mail Jeff at isiwa@comcast.net
Friday, March 26, 2010
Little Children
Opening Question: What do you like about little children?
Q: What did you think about the slide show? (We watched a slide show of pictures someone had taken of an orphanage in Haiti where they had the devastating earthquake in January.)
Q: Why would someone want to go to all the trouble to start an orphanage?
Bible verses and discussion questions:
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus. They wanted him to touch them. But the disciples told the people to stop. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, "Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. God's kingdom belongs to people like them. 15 What I'm about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God's kingdom like a little child will never enter it." 16 Then he took the children in his arms. He put his hands on them and blessed them.
Q: What’s going on in this story?
Q: Why do you think the disciples told the people to stop and Jesus got angry?
Q: What does it mean to receive God’s kingdom like a little child?
John 1:12
Some people accepted Jesus. They believed in his name. He gave them the right to become children of God.
Ephesians 1:5
God decided long ago to adopt us as his children. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done. It pleased God to do it.
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has given us so freely! Now we can be called children of God. And that's what we really are!
Q: How can people become a part of God’s family?
Q: What other thoughts or questions to you have?
Q: What did you think about the slide show? (We watched a slide show of pictures someone had taken of an orphanage in Haiti where they had the devastating earthquake in January.)
Q: Why would someone want to go to all the trouble to start an orphanage?
Bible verses and discussion questions:
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus. They wanted him to touch them. But the disciples told the people to stop. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, "Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. God's kingdom belongs to people like them. 15 What I'm about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God's kingdom like a little child will never enter it." 16 Then he took the children in his arms. He put his hands on them and blessed them.
Q: What’s going on in this story?
Q: Why do you think the disciples told the people to stop and Jesus got angry?
Q: What does it mean to receive God’s kingdom like a little child?
John 1:12
Some people accepted Jesus. They believed in his name. He gave them the right to become children of God.
Ephesians 1:5
God decided long ago to adopt us as his children. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done. It pleased God to do it.
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has given us so freely! Now we can be called children of God. And that's what we really are!
Q: How can people become a part of God’s family?
Q: What other thoughts or questions to you have?
Friday, March 12, 2010
guest speaker
Today we had a guest speaker who came and spoke about what God is doing in the Middle East.
Friday, February 26, 2010
the Beatitudes
Opening Question: What one of the greatest blessing you have ever experienced?
Introduction: In Matthew 5:1-13, Jesus teaches The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a series of blessings, with a promise attached to each one. The promises are experienced as we put our faith in Jesus and obey him.
Read the following out loud, and then again silently:
Jesus saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them. He said,
(3)“Blessed are those who are spiritually needy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are those who are sad. They will be comforted.
Blessed are those who are free of pride. They will be given the earth.
Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right. They will be filled.
Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be shown mercy.
Blessed are those whose hearts are pure. They will see God.
Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are you when people make fun of you and hurt you because of me. You are also blessed when they tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be joyful and glad. Your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, people hurt the prophets who lived long ago.”
Discuss the following:
1. Starting with verse 3, explain each blessing and the promise that goes with it.
2. Which promise do you think is the greatest of all? Explain.
3. Which blessing sounds the most difficult to experience, and why?
4. Have you experienced any of these blessings in your life?
5. Which blessing do you want to experience more consistently in your life?
Introduction: In Matthew 5:1-13, Jesus teaches The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a series of blessings, with a promise attached to each one. The promises are experienced as we put our faith in Jesus and obey him.
Read the following out loud, and then again silently:
Jesus saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them. He said,
(3)“Blessed are those who are spiritually needy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are those who are sad. They will be comforted.
Blessed are those who are free of pride. They will be given the earth.
Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right. They will be filled.
Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be shown mercy.
Blessed are those whose hearts are pure. They will see God.
Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are you when people make fun of you and hurt you because of me. You are also blessed when they tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be joyful and glad. Your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, people hurt the prophets who lived long ago.”
Discuss the following:
1. Starting with verse 3, explain each blessing and the promise that goes with it.
2. Which promise do you think is the greatest of all? Explain.
3. Which blessing sounds the most difficult to experience, and why?
4. Have you experienced any of these blessings in your life?
5. Which blessing do you want to experience more consistently in your life?
Friday, February 12, 2010
God Loves You!
Opening question: Who has shown you the most love, and in what way(s)?
Let’s read what the Bible says about love:
Matthew 5:44, 45
44 Here is what I tell you: Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. 45 Then you will be sons of your Father, who is in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don't.
Galatians 5:22, 23
22 The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. 23 It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.
Romans 5:8
8 Here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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.
Discussion questions:
1. Which description of God’s love do you like the most, and why?
2. Which of the verses above is the hardest to swallow?
3. Have you ever had someone in your life that was hard to love? Explain.
4. How are we supposed to love hard-to-love people, since we are so weak?
5. What’s the difference between God’s love and human love?
6. What are some ways that we can put our love into action?
Let’s read what the Bible says about love:
Matthew 5:44, 45
44 Here is what I tell you: Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. 45 Then you will be sons of your Father, who is in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don't.
Galatians 5:22, 23
22 The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. 23 It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.
Romans 5:8
8 Here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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.
Discussion questions:
1. Which description of God’s love do you like the most, and why?
2. Which of the verses above is the hardest to swallow?
3. Have you ever had someone in your life that was hard to love? Explain.
4. How are we supposed to love hard-to-love people, since we are so weak?
5. What’s the difference between God’s love and human love?
6. What are some ways that we can put our love into action?
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Story of the Lost Son
Opening question: Did you ever want to run away from home when you were growing up?
Let’s read a story that Jesus told, found in Luke 15:11-24
11 (Jesus speaking) “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son spoke to his father. He said, ‘Father, give me my share of the family property.’ So the Father divided his property between his two sons. 13 Not long after that, the younger son packed up all he had. Then he left for a country far away. There he wasted his money on wild living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn't have what he needed. 15 He went to work for someone who lived in that country, who sent him to the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17 Then he began to think clearly again. He said, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers." ' 20 So he got up and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let's have a big dinner and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.' So they began to celebrate."
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you describe the son in this story?
2. Why do you think the son might have wanted to leave his father so much?
3. What was the son’s life like when he was away from his father?
4. How would you describe the father?
5. How is this story a picture of God and his love for sinners (mankind)?
6. What is something about the son that we should copy, and why?
Let’s read a story that Jesus told, found in Luke 15:11-24
11 (Jesus speaking) “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son spoke to his father. He said, ‘Father, give me my share of the family property.’ So the Father divided his property between his two sons. 13 Not long after that, the younger son packed up all he had. Then he left for a country far away. There he wasted his money on wild living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn't have what he needed. 15 He went to work for someone who lived in that country, who sent him to the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17 Then he began to think clearly again. He said, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers." ' 20 So he got up and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let's have a big dinner and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.' So they began to celebrate."
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you describe the son in this story?
2. Why do you think the son might have wanted to leave his father so much?
3. What was the son’s life like when he was away from his father?
4. How would you describe the father?
5. How is this story a picture of God and his love for sinners (mankind)?
6. What is something about the son that we should copy, and why?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Don't Worry
Opening Question: What do you worry about the most these days?
Let’s read what Jesus taught about worry, in Matthew 6:25-34.
1. What did Jesus say about God’s relationship with birds and flowers and his children?
2. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 33?
3. What are some of the common signs of worry?
4. How can we trade worry for peace and joy, according to Paul, in Philippians 4:4-9?
Close in prayer.
Let’s read what Jesus taught about worry, in Matthew 6:25-34.
1. What did Jesus say about God’s relationship with birds and flowers and his children?
2. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 33?
3. What are some of the common signs of worry?
4. How can we trade worry for peace and joy, according to Paul, in Philippians 4:4-9?
Close in prayer.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Opening question: Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2010?
2. What changes would you like to see take place in the following areas of your life:
Mental
Physical
Verbal
Social
Spiritual
3. Why is it sometimes hard to keep the promises we make?
4. What do the following verses say about our power to change ourselves and the power of Jesus to help us change?
John 15:5
Philippians 4:13
5. What are some resources that can help us experience change in our lives?
2. What changes would you like to see take place in the following areas of your life:
Mental
Physical
Verbal
Social
Spiritual
3. Why is it sometimes hard to keep the promises we make?
4. What do the following verses say about our power to change ourselves and the power of Jesus to help us change?
John 15:5
Philippians 4:13
5. What are some resources that can help us experience change in our lives?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)