Describe a time when you felt you heard from God and it turned out to be a disaster.
Describe a time when you heard from God and knew it and were blessed by it.
What was the first Scripture you remember that really grabbed a hold of you?
Is Scripture open or closed? Meaning is there any new revelation that needs to be heard.
Believe God
Describe the process of how you came to believe.
What are some things you have heard or experienced when it comes to faith and believing?
Have you ever been told to believe, have faith and then it will happen? What was that like? Is it possible to believe God for something first and then he will do it?
Receive God
What are some things you have received from God?
Do you believe that, as a Christian, you are walking in the “Promised Land”?
What are some of the things that you are assured of in the Promised Land?
Apr 3, 2011
Genesis 13:14-14:24
A Good Faith Day
Paul said that a good faith day begins with a sense of purpose.
Describe a good faith day that has happened in the past.
What calling or sense of purpose is God talking to you about today?
Abraham’s potential became an actual event.
What potential energy do you have that God has been trying to show you?
Abraham’s life experiences enabled him to act strategically.
What life experiences do you posses that you know can one day be used for God?
Abraham was relentless or tireless in his pursuit of the enemy.
Discuss a time when you felt the same way about your purpose, ministry, and place in life…
When you did tire and slow, what were some things that re-energized you?
Abraham had a faith day that honored God.
What is one thing that you do/did that honors God?
Talk about the parallels of Melchizedek and Christ that Paul talked about.
What are some other examples of other Old Testament parallels that point to Christ? (David, Isaac)
What are your motives? Are they what you want them to be? What can you do, if needed, to change them into God honoring motives?
This week; Read Hebrews Ch. 11 and count how many times the word faith is used.
March 27, 2011
A Journey of Faith Part 5
Read Genesis 13:1-18
“When we accumulate things apart from God, those things often come back to frustrate us.”
Relate a time when this statement was a reality in your life.
What type of prosperity quarrels have you experienced?
What are some cattle and Hagar frustrations you have felt from accumulating apart from God?
Paul said “life in the promised land is not immune to seeds planted in Egypt.”
What are some things that you planted prior to salvation that you have had to deal with since?
Abraham took the lead in the situation with Lot. What are some things that keep people from taking the lead?
Paul talked about Abraham honoring the business and the relationship. What was the one character trait that Abraham modeled?
What keeps you from modeling that same behavior?
What relationship do you need to be humble in right now?
Lot had a big choice to make and was not ready for it.
Have you ever been in that situation?
What was your temptation?
What did you do?
Looking back, could you have made a better decision?
Paul talked about Abraham being blessed because he listened to God and did not take what looked good to him.
Is there a time in your life that you did not take what looked good and waited? What happened?
Talk about a time you dealt with a person like Lot. Did you lead, follow or get out of the way?
What choices are you facing in life now that you need to ask God about?
Got Mamre?
Abraham
A Journey of Faith Pt. 3
March 13, 11
Genesis 12:1-9
Shechem
How has God given you strength in the past?
Did you realize you were being strengthened or did you see it later?
How is God strengthening you right now?
Moreh
Share a time when God instructed you in the way of life.
Did you feel that is was instruction at the time?
Relate this to what Paul said learning humility and being broken.
What are you learning today?
Canaanites
Abraham arrived in the Promised Land with little celebration or fanfare. What were/are your expectations?
Are you in the Promised Land? How do you know?
Paul talked about some enemies in the Promised Land. What are some of your enemies?
How has God assured you that you will be O.K.?
Ai or Bethel
Where is your tent pitched today?
Where has it been pitched in the last month/year?
What one thing have you been pushing up hill towards Bethel?
Tent Camping and Alter Building
What is your most permanent possession?
How can you make it temporary?
Do you feel your worship is permanent?
What are some things you could do to make it permanent?
Have you ever considered actually building an altar to God?
Negev
Are you stumbling in the right direction?
Paul talked about enemies and struggles in the Promised Land. Look back on your past struggles.
How do you see them differently today than you did then?
Do you see them as helpful, wasteful, blessings?....
Paul said the Promised Land might actually be the place that you are “Just getting started” What do you think he means?
March 6, 11
An Abraham Sized Blessing.
Read Genesis 11:1-9, 12:2-6
Blessing in light of …
What is the core definition of the word blessed or blessing?
In Genesis 11 the people say “let us” come together.
What are some of the things they plan to do?
Besides building a tower what are they actually doing?
When Adam and Eve sinned they did it individually. How do the actions of the Babel story differ?
Pastor Paul talked about people taking on blessings for themselves. Discuss a time when you may have attempted this or have witnessed others trying to do this.
Consumer-Less blessing.
God blesses Abraham and says his name will be great. Many people want a great name and attempt to go make one for themselves. Can you think of some people who have attempted this? What is the outcome?
Think of some names throughout history, as you talk about them what words come to mind to describe these names?
What do you hope your name will represent?
God states that those who bless Abraham will be blessed and those who curse him will be cursed. Do you feel the protection of God in your life? Do you feel that He is really looking out for you?
Blessings and Responsibilities
How can you recognize what a blessing is and that it really is coming from God?
Paul talked about returning blessings to the world and the responsibility of great blessings.
What are some examples in history where people have blessed others as they have been blessed?
Paul talked about the weight of being blessed as Pastor of restoration. Have you ever heard a message about responsibility of blessing? What have you normally heard about blessings and how to be blessed?
Have you ever felt the burden of a blessing? What have you done about the weight/responsibility of a blessing?
In what ways can you return your personal blessing to others?
Personalized Blessing
Have you ever received an Abraham sized blessing from God?
Should we ask God for a blessing or wait for him to show us the blessing?
Paul talked about sitting for years before God blessed him with Restoration church.
Ever been sidelined and just waiting? What is/ was that like?
Has God talked to you about a blessing that is yet to happen?
Are you walking towards a promise by God? What is that like?
Feb 27, 11
Abraham - A Faith Journey pt. 1
Acts 7:2-4, Genesis 11:31-12:1, Hebrews 11:8-10
In what way do you see Abraham being a prototype of faith?
Hebrews says that Abraham acted on faith. What was his faith based on? (truth, reality, relationship)
What are some things you have heard about having faith?
How do you know you have faith? What is faith?
When God spoke to you for the first time, where were you in your faith journey?
Abraham was 75 when God called him into his mission. How old were you and do you think your age has affected your call? In what way?
How do you view those younger and older than you that have called by God?
When God called you did you ever think you would be where you are today? What were your thoughts?
What interruptions have you experienced since you started your journey?
How did you move from Ur to Haran to Canaan?
What do you think is the next step God wants you to take?
THE RESIDENT
Feb 13, 11
John 17:1-26
The Lord’s (other) Prayer
Paul made comment on how “God was praying to God”.
Has anyone ever asked you why Jesus was praying to himself? Were you able to explain? What do you think it means? How would you explain the concept of the Trinity to another person?
Verse 15 says, “I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one.”
When reading your verse, what do you think Christ’s expectation of us is? What can we expect from God?
Paul called sanctification “our sacred vocation” what do you know about sanctification?
In verse 17, Jesus asks that God Sanctify us. According to the verse, how are we sanctified and what is it that sanctifies us.
Do you believe that Christians should be engaged in politics, bowling leagues, school boards, PTA, and other secular organizations?
If so, how is it even possible to stay sanctified and holy? How does one keep clean heart and hands?
Throughout the prayer Jesus talks about glorifying God and being glorified.
Verse 10 says, “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.”
Have you ever prayed that God be glorified through you? Have you ever prayed that God not be embarrassed by you?
What are some general ways that all Christians can bring glory to God?
What are some specific ways that YOU can bring glory to God? (Think of Paul’s statement, “our sacred vocation”.
What one thing did you take away from this study?
This week, have your prayer be “God be glorified through me”.
Feb 6, 11 The Resident part 18
John 14:15-18, 25-26, 15:26-27, 16:7-15 Please read the referenced Scripture.
Talk about some things in the sermon that really stood out for you.
The Scripture mentions several times that Jesus and God were going to send “another”. Talk about a time when God sent you something. Was it good? Bad? Were you expecting it? Was it what you expected?
The Holy Spirit is our advocate and defender. How has he defended you in the past? What has he defended you from?
As a comforter, how has the Holy Spirit comforted you?
What is a situation or decision that the Holy Spirit has coached or guided you through? How often do you ask the Holy Spirit for guidance? Have you felt encouraged by what the Holy Spirit was coaching you through?
What are some things the Holy Spirit helps us do? (discernment, express gifts…)
According to Scripture the Holy Spirit convicts. How do you know that you are being convicted by the Holy Spirit?
The “parakletos” is many things and fills many roles. When you read through these Scriptures what are some things he does?
After reading Scripture and seeing what he does can you see the connections between who he is and what he does?i.e. as coach he reminds me of everything Jesus said…
How do you know the difference between the Holy Spirit nudging you and a very spiritual yet emotional moment?
What does being filled with the Spirit look/feel like? (Galatians 5:22?)
Refer back to the list of what the Holy Spirit does. What do you see as his ultimate job or ministry? What is that number one thing he is trying to do in the world?
Talk about the connection between hearing from the Holy Spirit and reading Scripture.
Jan 30, 11
Life through the eyes of fruit.
Read John 15:1-17
Paul says that bearing fruit takes time, sometimes generations and new branches. Why do you think it takes time? Why can’t we be saved and be bearing fruit immediately?
Paul also mentioned that the bearing of fruit is seasonal. Have you ever felt off season? What was that like?
Verse 2 says that God cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit. If bearing fruit is seasonal do you think you are in danger of being cut off?
Verse 1 says that God is the gardener or vinedresser. Who has God placed in your life that has helped “dress” your vine? And what did they help dress?
What do you have to do to bear fruit? (V. 5-6)
How hard is it to do what verses 5-6 ask?
What is an example of when you had to abide in Christ and what does that really mean?
What are some excess shoots that God has pruned from your life?
Talk about the reality of being pruned. Pruning hurts, do we receive it openly, do we fight it? How do we know it is pruning by God or attacks by Satan or just stuff happening to us?
How many times are the words “love” and “obey” used in the verses? What is the correlation between those words and pruning?
Jan 23, 11 The Resident – Part 16 "Trouble"
Read John 13:31-14:6
Verse 21 says that Jesus was troubled in spirit.
What do you think was troubling him?
In Ch. 14:1 Jesus is telling the disciples not to be troubled.
What were some things that were troubling the disciples?
What is the difference between the trouble Jesus was feeling and the trouble the disciples were experiencing? Is there is difference?
What unlikely source has trouble come for you?
Have you received trouble for presenting Jesus as truth?
What are some troubles that you have experienced?
What did it feel like? What did you learn from that experience?
What troubles are you experiencing now?
Paul said God has you right where he wants you.
Does God bring trouble to us? Why/ Why not?
What is the purpose of trouble and how does God use it?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Read Romans 5:3-5
Read Romans 8:17
Read Psalm 119:67-72
Read 1 Peter 5:7 Jesus commanded us to cast our cares on him.
What does that mean to you? What are some tangibles examples of casting our cares and anxieties?
The Problem With Feet
The Resident Part 15
John 13:1-17
Paul talked about foot washing being the lowest domestic responsibility.
What is the lowest most menial task, job or duty you have had to perform?
Ego kept the disciples from serving one another.
Why did God create us with an ego if it gets in the way?
What is the purpose of ego?
What are some ego issues that may have kept you from washing feet?
Has someone washed your feet? What was that like?
What are some examples of “foot washing” that you have witnessed?
What type of person have you witnessed doing foot washing? What kind of ego do they usually display?
Have you ever noticed that when you wash someone’s feet you get to see lots of sores, cracks, bunions and warts? (Meaning you get to see people for who they really are; sometimes at their worst)
How do you deal with that?
What types of feet have you washed; Humble feet? Betraying feet? Denying feet?Ungratefeful feet?
What expectations have you had from those people whose feet you have washed?
What are some things you have learned about yourself as you have washed feet?
What are some things you have learned about people in general?
What needs to be washed off your feet?
What opportunity to wash feet has God been showing you lately?
Jan 9, 2011
John Ch. 12
What are some monuments around the world that have been built to honor Jesus?
What are some examples in the Bible that show people creating monuments to God?
What are some objections to monuments for Christ have you seen or heard about?(i.e. Manger Scenes, Crosses, ACLU).
Simon honored God with his home. What are some things in your home that reflect the honoring of God?
What are some things that you have wanted to do that would honor God in your home?
Paul talked about crossing a line and honoring God. Describe that time in your life when you came to and then crossed that line?
Mary honored God with her gifts and talents. What are some gifts you could honor God with? Has God recently shown you a new or original way that you could honor him?
Can you describe a time when you witnessed someone honoring God in an “opulent” fashion?What was that like? Did it energize you or make you wonder “What was that all about?” Why?
Mary used a very extravagant gift to honor Jesus. In essence she gave away not only a fortune but she was very possibly giving away her dowry and a precious amount of money. In essence she was giving away her security, her nest egg and even her future to honor Christ. Discuss what that would mean, especially for a girl in 1st century Jerusalem.
What would that look like today?
Have you given away your future to Christ?
Nov 28, 10
John Ch. 8
Read Chapter 8
Discuss any points in the sermon that may have spoken to you.
Discuss the Pillar of Light in the Old Testament and what that did for the nation of Israel.
Jesus says the TRUTH will set you free.
The Israelites found their freedom in being children of Abraham.
If you were to ask the “man on the street” where his freedom comes from, what do think his/her response would be?
When in your life did you think you were free when you really were not?
What were you putting your faith in at that time?
Paul spoke about the Declaration of Independence and how it does not free us; however it points to the true source of our freedom. In John chapter 8 Jesus also points to another source.
What does the constitution and Jesus point to? (V.18, 42)
Jesus tells the people that if they were children of Abraham they would treat him in the same manner Abraham treated God.
How did Abraham treat God? (Genesis 17)
In what ways are your life, heart, and home hospitable to God?
Tell of a time that you interacted with an arrogant Christian.
What was it like? How did it make you feel?
What were some of the pedigrees the person was displaying?
Why do you think this happens?
Do you think this has changed in Christian circles today?
Have you had any pedigrees stripped away?
Name one truth you learned today.
Nov. 21, 10
John 7- People Lessons
What statement of point from the sermon impacted you the most?
The Feast of Tabernacles or huts was a visible celebration of the faith. This seven-day event was a radical reminder of God’s faithfulness towards the people. The roots of Christianity are celebratory in nature.What are some ways we as RestorationChurch can foster more of a festive spirit in our church and in our lives?
Look at the opinions listed below that people had of Jesus.
v.1 says there were those waiting to take the life of Jesus (death threats)
v.5 says his brothers (James and Jude) did not believe in Him.
v.12 says some were of the opinion that he was a good man.
v.12b others said no he is a deceiver
v.15b some loved his teaching
v.26 others asked if he was the messiah
v.31 some put their faith in him
v.40 some emphatically stated this man is a prophet
v.12 says there was widespread whispering among the crowd
v.43 the people were divided because of Jesus.
“Why is it impossible to be neutral towards Jesus?”
The festival of huts was linked to a nostalgic moment it time, Exodus 17 and Numbers 20 andwas designed to evoke nostalgic memories of the past.
Talk about a spiritual moment that you look back to.
Why is it important to “look back” at our spiritual journey?
What kind of benefits do we gain?
The high priest was pouring water over a rock to remind the people of what God had down in the past.
Jesus took this very moment to stand up and proclaim “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Why that moment? What was so important about his statement at that moment? What does it say about the past, present and future?
What about your spiritual present?What is Jesus proclaiming to you right now?
What is Jesus telling you about your future walk with him?
Read John 6:25-69
What statements/ideas fro the sermon impacted you?
What is your favorite kind of bread?
Twice Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life
Why is the “bread of life” metaphor so appropriate?
Sometimes metaphors become outdated, why do you think this “Bread of life” metaphor still has impact?
Read verses 28-41
What is the work that God requires from us?
What was the Jews biggest problem with what Jesus said? (Vs. 29 & 41)
What do you think it is that makes it so hard for people to accept what Jesus says in these verses?
What is the difference between working for food and working for food that will last?
Manna was a reference to what God did in the past.
The people kept experiencing God through this Manna reference. Jesus, as the “bread of life”, wants to do something now and in the future.
Why would anyone prefer Manna over the bread of life?
What are some ways God wants you to experience him in the present and future?
Many in the crowd could not see past the physical things Jesus was talking about and relate them to their own spiritual well being.
The crowd finds this to be a very tough teaching and most of them walk away from the bread of life, why?
What one truth that your heard today is God asking you to “Gnaw at and chew on”?
The Resident, Part. 7
Nov. 7, 2010
John 5:1-15
What one thing from today’s sermon impacted you most?
The Bethesda resident’s put an inordinate amount of faith in the pool as a source of healing.
Talk about verse 4 and the “Lottery of Angelic Healing” at the pool of Bethesda.
Do you see people today running here and there to get _____________?
What is some mythological, folk theology or superstitious places or things you have heard of?
Why are mythological and superstitious places like Bethesda so dangerous?
The Pool of Bethesda was associated with healing. What have you associated with healings or blessings of God? (May even be religious in nature i.e. tithing, attending, serving…)
Jesus is a very popular and public figure, why do the Bethesda residents fail to recognize Jesus?
When in your life did you not recognize Jesus? How did it play out?
Why do we fail to see him in our lives?
Jesus asks the invalid man, “Do you want to get well?”It seems like a simple question until your rephrase it...“Are you willing to leave all your dependencies?”
What “Pool of Dependency” have you identified in your life?
Have you turned your back on it?
Have you ever struggled and gone back?
Were the consequences even worse than before? How so?
The Pool of Bethesda was more than a place but a mentality and a way of living.
Can Jesus really make you well? Can he really separate you from sin and change your life? How so?
What one truth did you learn today?
The Resident, Part. 6
Oct 31, 10
John 4:1-29, 39-42
What about today’s sermon got you thinking or asking questions?
The person in John 4 is described by her race (Samaritan) and gender
(Woman) and not by name, why do think this is?
Women are rarely given an entire chapter in the bible, yet the Samaritan woman is main character in one of Jesus’ longest dialogues.
What do you find significant about her story?
What does this say about God?
The Samaritan woman is trapped in a cycle of failed relationships and is bound by a harmful pattern of living.
Have you ever felt like your situation is a Rubik’s?
What well’s did you attempt to drink from to try to solve the “cube”?
Jesus meets the woman in “Sychar,” which translated means “confusion.”
Describe the state of confusion you were in when God found you.
How does Jesus bring the woman out of her confusion?
How did he bring you out of confusion?
What kind of water was Jesus talking about?
Why was it important that Jesus bring up her failed relationships?
Why do you suppose her witness to the Samaritans was so effective?
The woman at the well set her jar (old identity) down and went to tell others about Jesus.
What Jar doesGod want you to set down?
Oct 24, 2010
Sweet Road to the Future
What about today’s sermon got you thinking or asking questions?
Milton’s success was linked to fresh milk.It was the product that led to superior chocolate making.Once Milton got the product right, the success followed.
How is this parallel to Jesus and Christianity?
What areas of ministry to Fountain do you thing God wants us to be successful and significant in?
What would it take for the church to be successful in those areas?
Money?Infrastructure?Commitment?...
When Milton’s Caramel business went big, he sold it for 1 million dollars.He reinvested the 1 million into a chocolate factory and turned the 1 million dollar caramel business into a 100 million dollar chocolate business.
Milton Hershey was not afraid to dream big and risk big.
What dreams did you hear from Paul today? Do you think they are risky?
What dreams have you had for Restoration?
What could you do to help that dream be fulfilled?
Milton’s greatest achievement was not in making chocolate but in making better people.He founded a school for orphans, a hospital and gave his entire fortune to the Hershey Foundation.
What is the purpose of wealth and assets?
What do you think God expects us to do with our assets?
What do you think Restoration should do with its assets?
Do we have to be wealthy to be generous towards the Kingdom of God?
Oct 10, 2010
John 3:1:1-18
The background of John 3 is found in the book of Numbers 21:4-9.As you read this event aloud, imagine yourself among the Israelites being attacked by venomous snakes.
What are some truths you took away from the message in on Sunday?
Why are the Israelites being bitten?
What do you think about God being the one to send snakes?
Why do you think He did that?
What snakes have you been bitten by? How did you deal with it?
The Resident’s conversation with Nicodemus reveals that societal success does not equate to spiritual success, what do you think is the difference?
Nicodemus struggles to understand the elementary teachings of God, why?Is your personal, faith struggle any different?
John 3:16, one of the greatest Bible verses, is written into the story of Nicodemus...why his story?
Nicodemus said “We know…” what might this statement indicate.
Jesus said the only way to have eternal life is to believe in His exalted position much like the poisoned Israelites believed in the healing power of the elevated bronze snake.
What is the venom that we suffer from in today’s world?
The poisoned Israelites were faced with a single remedy---likewise so was Nicodemus---he must be born again.Jesus says there is only one way, you must be born again.When you heard this truth were you encouraged, offended, indifferent…?
Nicodemus story is open-ended.Does he believe?Does he become a disciple of Christ?Does he walk away unchanged?Is your story ambiguous and sort of unresolved or do you clearly believe?
What one truth have you come away with today?
Oct 3, 2010
John 2:12-25
The wedding Jesus, at Cana, appears to be very different than the TempleJesus, in Jerusalem.He is not only tender like Mother Theresa but tough like William Wallace...
-Is your picture of God more like Mother Theresa or William Wallace?
-Describe a time in your life when you needed the tenderness of God and have others in the group talk about needing the toughness of God?
-The Gospel writer John assumes his reading audience knows about Jewish things like Herod’s temple and the Passover Feast.Both of these elements in the story are full of cultural meaning.Briefly discuss the back ground and magnitude of these (reference an online Bible dictionary or study Bible).
-Jesus was angry with the scene at the temple and the distortion of the Passover feast because...
The Gentiles were being obstructed in worship. Can you identify obstructions in our worship place?(ie... What about the young, the old?What about the handicap?What about the ethnically diverse?
Can these groups freely worship at RestorationChurch?
The spiritual leaders chose profit over people.The irony here is that the mature, spiritual leaders (priests) of the church made this terrible choice.Why is it so easy to loose sight of people?
The purpose of God’s house was being distorted so Jesus came in cleaned house.What kind of distortions to we allow into our our lives that need a radical sort of cleansing? (1 Corinthians 6:19 says that we are temples of the Holy Spirit)
-What does it mean for you to be zealous for God and for his house?
John 2:1-11
Jesus Changes Water to Wine
What are some things in Paul’s sermon that impacted you?
Suppose you were allowed to choose Jesus’ inaugural miracle, which miracle would you pick and how does it build your faith?
Why do you think that discipleship 101, a trip to Cana, does not include prayer, fasting or even Bible study but instead involves attending a wedding...?
Where is an unusual place that you have found Jesus?
Speaking of weddings, where else in the Bible is a wedding feast mentioned? (Revelation 19:6-10) Is there any correlation between the wedding Jesus attends in Cana and the one in Revelation?
Historical pieces of art often portray Jesus as being a sour-puss, a stoic and long-faced. How do picture the face of Jesus as he attends the wedding at Cana? How have you pictured Jesus in the past?
Ponder the following...Does he dance with the bride? Is he first in line to grab a piece of cake? Does he hoot and holler in celebration at this event? Do you think he danced a jig?
Mary recognizes a shortage of wine and she goes directly to Jesus to have him solve the problem. What shortage has Jesus restored in your life lately??
Verse 11 concludes the water to wine miracle with these words; Jesus revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him. What is God’s glory and how does this miracle reveal his glory?
This passage emphasizes the transformation of water to wine? Jesus transformed an abundance of wine. What has God recently transformed in your life or what do you need transformed into something better? How does Jesus do this in abundance? How do we realize his abundance?
What one truth have you taken away from this time in god’s word?
Sept. 19th
John 1:35-51
When “The Resident” appears in public, he draws a variety of reactions from John the Baptist, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael.
What reaction or person do you most identify with and why?
What was your reaction when your were told about Jesus
Note: the relation between seeing and believing at 20:29]
John the Baptist, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael describe “The Resident” in the following ways, the Lamb of God, Rabbi, Messiah, the one Moses wrote about in the law, the Son of God.
Which title description place on Jesus motivates you to follow Jesus?
Each person in 1:35-51 decides to follow Jesus, what did it mean for them to follow Jesus in that culture? What is it like to follow Jesus in our culture?
The early disciples “gave up” or “trade up” their way of life to follow Jesus.
Is it any different in today’s culture? What are we really giving up when we trade up?
In 1:35-51, is a pattern of one person telling another person about Jesus...John told Andrew, Andrew told Simon Peter and Philip told Nathanael. What similarities and differences do you see in each of these personal evangelism styles?
Nathanael was a skeptic when he initially heard about Jesus. How did Philip handle his skeptical friend? Also, how does the Resident interact with Skeptics?
What can we learn about evangelism from these verses?
Paul talked about being all in. Are you all in? If you are, what does this mean to you and what do you think is the next level God has in store for you?
Andrew is identified as one of the two disciples who followed Jesus. Who do think was the other disciple?
Things to think about
There are those who come to Christ through the testimony of spiritual leaders like John the Baptist. Andrew and John's other disciple were those who sought Jesus in accordance with the testimony of John.
And there are those who are brought to Christ by a friend or relative, as Andrew to Peter, or Philip to Nathanael.
And there are those like Philip whom Jesus calls directly.
Which category, of the three, do you think you fall into?
Application: Don't be too quick to accept or reject Jesus. Rather make a careful and thorough examination before drawing a conclusion. Today Christians are often too impatient in trying to convert others to the faith and end up giving them only bits and pieces of the gospel before demanding a decision be made. A person cannot artificially fabricate his own saving faith, it has to be developed over time in cooperation with the Holy Spirit as one follows Jesus Christ.
Sept. 12, 2010
John 1:1-18: Discussion Questions
The WORD
Take a moment to talk about some things from Pauls sermon that impacted you.
What do we know about John, the author of the Gospel of John?
Who is the Word and what are some things John’s prologue (1:1-18) tell us about him?
All major standard translations say, “the Word was God.” None say “a god.” Why is this so important? What was John trying to say about Jesus?
What did the Word create?
The word did not come into the world empty handed but appeared with life and Light.
Jesus is referred to as the Light. What are some things you learn about the Light from reading John 1:4-9?
What are some things light does?
How did the world react to the Light?
Think of a time you were misunderstood and rejected. What was that like?
What were some ways you rejected the Light before you were saved?
Who in your life was a “John the Baptist”?
The word become flesh and dwelt among us.
What are some things this says about God?
What blessing does he give to those who receive him?
What does John tell us about the process of becoming a Christian in John 1:12?
Name one statement or thought that really impacted you during this study.
Following the Path of Brokenness
Genesis 32
Nov 29, 09
1. What are some things that you have placed your confidence in?
2. Have you lost confidence in them yet?
3. What are some things in life that have blindsided or broken you?
4. How did you get through the brokenness?
5. Did these things that broke you make you more or less dependant upon God? How?
6. What are some things you have "wrestled over" with God?
7. What area of life do you feel is in the path of brokenness right now?
8. How and where do you "get hold" of God?
9. How where you changed when you encountered God?
10. What pot in life needs to be broken for the light of God to shine through you?
"Tis The Season (For)giving
Nov. 22, 09
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Genesis 45:1-3
When you read Joseph's story, what are some of your reactions?
Which side of the story have you been on, needing the forgiveness of extending it?
What is your first reaction when you get hurt by someone?
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Is it possible to be a Christian and not be forgiving? Explain your answer.
If you are still working through the act of forgiveness where are you in that process? i.e. angry, sad, close but not sure...
What is your reaction to the statement, "You cannot heal until you have forgiven?"
What is your is your reaction to the statement, "Your ministry and witness will not be effective until you forgive."
WHO IS IT THAT YOU HAVE NOT FORGIVEN?
A Living Hope
1st Peter 1:3-9
Nov. 15, 09
In the midst of life, and all that comes with it, how do you praise God?
Describe some things throughout life that have given you hope.
Do they still give you hope? Explain.
Describe the quality of hope that you find in your relationships, finances or material possessions.
Is it bad or wrong to have hope in these things? What is a good perspective to have when thinking about these things?
Describe what it was like when you lost hope in something or someone that was important to you.
In Verse 7 Peter talks about how everything will perish and that our faith needs refining to be proved genuine. What is the one thing in your life right now that God wants to refine to prove your faith genuine?
Was there a time in your life that you felt God was failing you in your time of need? How did it turn out?
What are the things that Christians are called to put their hope in? (Salvation, return of Christ, the resurrection of the saints, God's love)
"It's all in your Mind"
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Nov. 8, 2009
Giving it away...have you ever found yourself giving part of your soul away? What was that like?
Jesus came to give life. What are some ways that Jesus was able to give your soul back?
CONTENTENT THIEVES
Pastor Dave talked about comparing and how it stole our contentment.
Have you ever been compared to someone else? What was that like? How often do you catch yourself comparing to someone else?
What areas would you have more in if you could?
What is your "Tile" experience? How did it turn out?
What are your areas of discontent today? (Material, spiritual, circumstances) What do you think God needs to do to bring you to contentment?
CHOOSE TO BE...
...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation...I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
Pastor Dave talked about choosing contentment and controlling you emotions.
The verse in Philippians gives us some insight. Talk about this verse and what part gives you strength to control your thoughts and attitude.
Paul writes..."I have learned the secret of being content..." What do you think that secret is?
What is one thing that you are thankful for?
This week: express your gratitude to one person this week. Share with the group how that affected you and the other person.
Truth Or Snare
Nov 1, 09
1. If it has happened to you, tell of a time when you believed something to be true and it wasn't. What happened?
2. Pastor Dave talked about our "Blind Spots" today. What are some of those blind spots for you? What catches you by surprise?
3. Who do you ask to help you with your blind spots?
RECOGNIZE THE LIES
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
4. Ever do something that seemed right but ended in disaster? What was it?
5. What lies has Satan told you about yourself? Have you ever found support for these lies in Scripture?
6. What messages, philosophies, advertising or lies do you see about happiness in the world today?
7. What lies has Satan told you about God?
RESIST THE LIES
8. What are some truths you have learned about yourself, God and Life that help you combat Satan's lies?
9. What is you line that you drew? What is your testimony about this line drawn?
RENEW YOUR MIND
10. What is a Scripture that helps you stay on track and centered on the truth of God.
11. What lie did you believe that is now been replaced by Scripture.
12. What one thing did you take away from this session?
Strongholds
Oct 25, 09
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
What are a couple of things about today's message that really spoke to you?
Pastor Dave opened the message by talking about our "inner conversations". What we dwell on are of paramount importance. What is important to you? What is it that you dwell on?
Our strongholds are "entrenched" "hidden" and difficult to attack. What are some defenses we employ when our stronghold is exposed?
Discuss the statement "We become so familiar with our thoughts, that we don't even realize we are thinking them".
What are some thoughts and strongholds that you have broken free from?
How did God show you those strongholds?How did you even become aware of those strongholds?
What strategies did God give you to break free from strongholds in your life?
"We become susceptible to deceptive thoughts when we do not know who we are in Christ and we don't know He can change us". What do you think Pastor Dave was talking about when he said this?
What are some ways to protect against this?
..."and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
How do we do this?
What are some truths about God that you have learned...that have changed the way you see him and yourself?
What one thing did you get from this session?
Ephesians 6:12-18Use this week to hide this Scripture in your heart.
Attitude Check
October 18, 2009
For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7
Would you say you are more prone to positive or negative thoughts?
What people, events and experiences most influenced your perspective?
What can you do to become a more positive person?
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Which words in this verse speak to you? Which ones would you emphasize?
In what way could memorizing this verse impact the way you think?
You were taught...to put off your old self...to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created like God in true rightousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
In your own life, what does it mean to put off the old self?
How much have you put off?
What are soem things you need to continue to put off?
What would your "new self" look like?
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33
How do you deal with bad company that you may have to be around?
...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians10:5
What are some ways you can "take captive" a thought?
How do you make a negative thought obedient to Christ?
...the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable-if anythingis excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Phillipians 4:7-8
Give an example of how you have replaced a negative thought with a positive one.
For questions contact: questions@restchurch.orgAll rights reserved. Material from faithHighway may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without consent.
