Invest Yourself In Your Relationship With God

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Colossians 1:20-22, Matthew 13:44-46, John 15:1-11

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: What’s the largest amount of money you would accept from someone if they were paying you in pennies?

Q: Do you really want the things you say you want in life? Does it show in the way you invest your energy, time, etc.?

Q: What do you think/feel about the idea that what God really wanted was us? Think or talk about all that He invested to be able to bring us back to Himself.

Q: Do you relate to Jesus’ imagery of a Vineyard? Do you have any experience with growing a garden or something similar? If this imagery doesn’t hit home for you, what picture would you paint to describe the relationship Jesus offers us?

Q: Of the three ways Jesus mentions in John 15 that we can invest in our relationship with God (submission, obedience & dependence) which is the hardest for you? The easiest? Which seems like it could be most timely for you?

Q: Do you usually associate “obedience” with “love” and “joy”? If you did, how might it change your relationship with God?

TRY IT: Invest in your relationship with God by attempting one or more of the following this week:

· Stay focused on Jesus by praying a simple prayer whenever you think of it throughout the day. Write a sentence that captures something you want to say to God, or use this one:

“God, help me to stay connected to you today.”

· Think about and write down your thoughts to the following questions:

1. How has God been shaping me lately? What is there in my life he’d like to prune away?

2. Jesus says that I live in His love by obeying Him. Is there something that God has been calling me to do in obedience that I’ve been ignoring for a while?

3. As the Vine, Jesus says that He’s the source of life for us (the branches). Where do I need His strength in my life right now?

· Take a “prayer walk” by yourself and use the time to talk with and listen to God.

· Read Luke 8:40-56. What do you learn from the way these folks pursued Jesus? From the way Jesus responded to them?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
“Invest Yourself In A Spiritual Family

The Missing Ingredient Week 3

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7, 31, 13:4-7, 8-13; 1 John 3:1-2, 11, 14, 16, 4:7-8; Ephesians 3:14-19.

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: How do you decide which new recipes you’ll cook at home? Do the number of steps or ingredients play a role in your decisions?

Q: Look back at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Does this recipe for love seem simple or complex? Easy or demanding? Do you think this might have something to do with love (as described here) being a missing ingredient in the lives of some of Jesus’ followers and churches?

Q: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 compares love with knowledge, understanding and spiritual gifts. How does love fare when held up to these things? Why do you think that is?

Q: The followers of Jesus in Corinth who first received this letter were very excited about having the “best” spiritual gifts (see 1^st Corinthians 12) and needed to be reminded that love was more universal, important, effective and long lasting. What kinds of things do followers of Jesus get obsessed with today instead of love? (Ex. Having the best worship music.)

Q: We often think of knowledge and revelation as key components of understanding and knowing God. 1 Corinthians 13 suggests that our knowledge and insights are temporary and incomplete and that love helps us understand God in a deeper and longer lasting way. How can that be? What insights do 1 John 4:7-8 and Ephesians 3:14-19 give you about this?

TRY IT:

Pray through Ephesians 3:14-21 several times this week.

NEXT WEEK:

New Teaching Series Starts!

Drifting: Part Two

DRIFTING
Part Two: Getting the Right Directions
Teacher: Shawn Cooper
8/9/09

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: 1 Kings 2:1-4, Matthew 6:32-33

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: If you had one last chance to share with someone important to you, what would you want to tell them? Do you think the focus of that conversation would reflect what you wish had spent more time focusing on in life? Why?

Q: Have you ever felt like your life was more focused on God's rules than God Himself? What do you think happens we we get so focused on rules that we lose focus on God?

Q: Why do you think David tells Solomon to "observe what the Lord your God requires" before he tells him to obey Him? What does it mean to observe?

Q: Do you find yourself struggling to trust God? Why do you think this is?

Q: Do ever feel like your struggle to trust God leads to disobedience? General example: You know you should give financially as an act of worship, but you fear that if you give, God won't provide the money you need to pay your bills.

Q: How does it make you feel to know that God blesses your life when you live by His design? How has God proved this in your life already?

Q: Read Matthew 6:32-34. How do you think your life would be different if you made a point to seek Him first, before making decisions or forming plans?

Q: What is it in your life that your "running after" instead of seeking God first?

TRY IT:

1. Each day this week, before the you get started, take a few minutes to ask God to keep you mindful of Matthew 6:32-34 throughout the day.
2. Before your schedule fills up this week, create a plan and secure some time each day to spend with God. Commit to this time as the most important "appointment" of your day.

Drifting: Part One

DRIFTING: PART ONE
The Problem With Auto-Pilot
8/2/09

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: 1 Kings 3:5-28 &11:4, Ecclesiastes 1:2, James 1:14-15

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: When you pray, what do you typically ask God for?

Q: If you were Solomon, and God offered to give you anything you wanted, what would you asked for? How might your response to God be different than Solomon’s?

Q: Solomon’s life started out so well, but somewhere along his journey, it took a dramatic turn to a tragic finish. In your own words, how is it possible that Solomon started off so well in life only to end in such dark and painful place, far from God?

Q: Do you ever feel like Solomon’s story reminds you of your own life? If so, why do you think that is?

TRY IT:
Take a few minutes to watch Casting Crowns’ music video, Slow Fade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-8SYA6rfbs

Q: Why do you think this song speaks to so many people today? How do you think the message of this song relates to Solomon’s life? How about yours?

TRY IT:
Go back and read James 1:14-15 again.

Q: Why do you think James warns us so boldly about sin and its consequence? Think about God’s desire to protect us.

Q: James uses some strong imagery – that, like a fish, we are all tempted to bite the “hooks” in our lives. What “hooks” are in your life? What are most tempted to bite?

Q: Do you feel like your life is on autopilot today? Do you feel like you’ve been drifting in your life (relationship with God, marriage, finances, parenting, etc.)?

Q: How does it feel to know you can never separate yourself from the love of God – that no matter what you’ve done, or how far you’ve drifted, God is able (and desires) to restore your life and set you back on the right path?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read Matthew 6:33 and Colossians 3:1-4

The Missing ingredient Week 2

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-26; John 13:34-45; 1 John 4:7-12

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: How would you define the word love? Is it a feeling? Action? Choice? Experience? Something Else?

Q: How do you know if someone loves you? You love someone else?

Q: Compare your answers to the last couple of questions to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How are your ideas similar to the love God describes here? How are they different?

Q: How often do you think about the connection between your love for God and your love for other people? Based on what you see in the scriptures above, how would you describe God’s view of the link between the two?

Q: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and substitute your name for the word love. (Ex. Bob is patient, Bob is kind….) How accurately does this passage describe you right now? Which elements of love feel like a fit? Which don’t?

Q: If becoming more loving is a combination of God’s Spirit working in us and our cooperation with Him (see Galatians 5), which do you need more of right now: God’s power or your effort?

Q: Do you ever notice yourself choosing between following God’s Spirit or your own corrupt nature? How do you pay attention to your spiritual nature and let God lead you on a day-to-day basis?

TRY IT:

1. Identify one aspect of love that you need help with. Ask God to make you more loving this week. Pay attention to the opportunities you’re given to act that way.

2. Memorize 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

The Missing ingredient Week 1

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Matthew 10:38-39, 17:20, 19:21, 22:34-40; Isaiah 29:13; Malachi 1:6-10; 1 John 4:7-12

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Have you ever left something out of a recipe, either by accident or on purpose? How did it turn out? Could you tell?

Q: Agree or Disagree: “Many people feel like something is missing when it comes to their relationship with God.”

Q: What “ingredients” to a life of faith do you think are missing in churches/believers today?

Q: What do you think of the actions of faith that are described in 1 Cor 13:1-3? How would your “recipe” for faith stack up against it?

Q: After describing some very impressive acts of faith, the Bible says that they are “nothing” if they aren’t done with love. Would we choose the same word? If not, what would we substitute for it?

Q: God’s struggle to have our hearts (and not just our actions) isn’t anything new. Take a look at Malachi 1:6-13. How does God react when we try to go through the motions without really loving Him?

Q: Read 1 John 4:7-12. According to this passage, why is love so essential to having a relationship with God?

TRY IT:

1. Jot down your own “recipe of faith”, listing the actions you take to live out your faith and sustain your relationship with God (ex. Praying, reading the Bible, etc.). Where/how does love factor in? Is it an ingredient? A key ingredient?

2. Memorize 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The "F" Word: The Free, The Strong & The Brave

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 20:19-26; Acts 1:3-9, 2:1-8, chapters 3 & 4; Ephesians 1:17-20; John 8:30-36; 2 Timothy 1:7-8; 2 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 10:24-25

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Do you think of yourself as a brave person? What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Q: Agree or Disagree: “As people of faith, we come from a long line of cowards.”

Q: Do the guys in Acts 3 and 4 sound like the same people who were hiding in fear in John 20? What made the difference in them?

Q: The Bible says that those who follow Jesus are FREE- from sin, trying to please God by keeping the rules, etc. Do you feel free? If so, how do you make sure that your freedom in Jesus honors him instead of turning into permission to sin? If you don’t feel free, what could you do to live into what God says is true about you?

Q: If God doesn’t give us a cowardly or timid spirit, where do those things come from? What can we do about that?

Q: After being threatened, Jesus’ friends go find other disciples to pray with. Together they are filled with power (see the end of Acts 4). Who is there in your life that encourages you and helps you stay bold about your faith? Who do you do the same for?

The "F" Word: We're Afraid of GOD

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Isaiah 6:1-8; Exodus 33; 1 John 4:9-10, 17-21; 1 Peter 1:17-21

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Can you think of an example of something you thought was cool from a distance, but scary up close?

Q: Have you ever had an experience that left you awestruck by God’s presence, holiness or glory? What happened?

Q: What do you think lies behind Moses’ request to see more of God’s glory? Should we be praying for the same thing?

Q: Comparing our sins to others often leaves us feeling ok to with ourselves. What happens when Isaiah sees His sin in the light of God’s glory and holiness? Do you think we need the same experience sometimes? If so, how could we get a taste of this?

Q: God’s grace moved Isaiah and us away from the fear of judgment and punishment and towards something else. How would you describe the kind of fear Christians are supposed to have? (See 1 Peter 1:13-21 for some help.)

Q: Do you agree that many followers of Jesus get too comfortable and casual with Jesus and His grace? If so, how can we strike a balance between intimate love and reverent respect in our daily lives with God?

FOR NEXT WEEK:

“The Free & The Brave”

The "F" Word: We're Afraid of FAITH

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:  Hebrews 11, 12 & 13:1-5

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: What’s your favorite story of faith in the Bible?  What’s the biggest leap of faith you’ve ever taken yourself?

Q: Agree or Disagree & Explain:  “People live by faith every day whether they believe in God or not.”

Q: Do you think your faith in God would be stronger if you could literally see or hear Him?  How does this mesh with Hebrews 12:18-24 (and similar stores in the Bible)?

Q: Do you think faith and fear are exclusive?  Look back at the people and situations described in Hebrews 11:32-35a.  Do you think those heroes of faith experienced fear while trusting God?  Why or why not?

Q: Which scares you more- that God will ask you to do the “big” stuff (like going to another country, selling all you have, etc) or that He wants you to trust Him with your daily life (see Hebrews 12:14-17, 13:1-5)?

Q: How do you feel about what you read in Hebrews 11:35b-40?  How do you think these folks 5 minutes after they left this life and stood in God’s presence?

Q: Look back at Hebrews 12:1-4.  While phrases/ideas speak most to your life right now.  If faith leads us to take action (like in Hebrews 11)- what is your next step of faith?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
“We’re Afraid of God”

The "F" Word: We're Afraid For Our Kids

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
Proverbs 22:6, 5 & 7, 15; 29:15; 19:18; 23:13-14; 13:24; 3:11-12; Deuteronomy 11:18-21

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Agree or Disagree: “Being responsible to raise a child is one of the scarier tasks on the planet.”

Q: This week’s key passage (Proverbs 22:6) suggests that our kids need training because they won’t always choose the right way. Do you agree with this? Or lean more to the idea that kids will be just fine if we let them figure things out on their own?

Q: The Bible seems pretty clear that parents are responsible to guide their children. Does it seem to you like many parents today seem reluctant to do so? Or want to pass the buck and expect someone else (schools, society, church, etc.) to do this for them?

Q: In your mind, is there a difference between teaching a child a set of beliefs about God and starting them in a way of life spent loving God and following Jesus? Which seems like more work? Which do you think has a better chance of sticking? Which seems truer to the Bible?

Q: Most parents realize that at some point their kids will choose their own way in life. Which seems more realistic to you: an adult coming back to a life with God that they were started in as a child OR an adult who was never shown how to live with God figuring it out later in life?

Q: If you are a parent, what do you hear God saying to you through these scriptures and the teaching conversation?

Q: If you don’t currently have any kids of your own, what do you hear God saying to you about how you can support those you know who do?

Q: What- if anything- does this conversation about parenting show you about your relationship with God as your Heavenly parent?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
“We’re Afraid of Faith”

The "F" Word: We're Afraid of Losing Control

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
Genesis 11:1-9; 4:6-7; 6:5-7; 9:1-7, Romans 8:5-9, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 3:12-15

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: How have you worked to build a sense of control, identity and security in your life?

Q: Why do you think God was displeased with the construction project in Genesis 11?

Q: When was the last time your sense of control was scattered? What happened? How did it feel? What did you learn?

Q: “When we try to control our worlds, we often lose control of our selves.” Agree or disagree & explain.

Q: Which is harder in your opinion- controlling your world- or yourself? Why?

Q: If Romans 8 is right and we are either controlled by our spiritual nature or our corrupt one- which is running your life right now? Is that the way you want it?

PODCAST:  Did you miss Sunday's teaching conversation?  Catch the audio HERE.

FOR NEXT WEEK:
“We're Afraid of the Future”

The "F" Word: Fearing Trouble

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY 

John 16:33 

Romans 5:1-5

Acts 5:41-42 

1 Timothy 6:17

REFLECT/DISCUSS 

Q: When you were a child, what were you most afraid of? What did you rely on for comfort or security?

Q: What do you find you’re most afraid of today? How have these fears affected your life?

Q: After reading how the apostles responded to their suffering in Acts 5:41, how does this compare to your typical response to hardship?

Q: How does it make you feel to know that there is value and purpose to your suffering? Can you identify how dealing with hardship has produced character in your own life?

Q: Paul makes clear that when we place our hope in hopeless things, we will never be hopeful. Can your remember a time when you placed your hope in uncertain things? What happened?

Q: By taking an honest look at your life today, do you think you’ve placed your hope in things that will eventually fail you? If so, what steps can you begin taking today to ensure you keep your hope in God?

FOCUS: "Living Humbly With Your God"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
Micah 6:6-8; Leviticus 26:3-12; James 2:18-20; Luke 9:23

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Which is more attractive to you- Believing in God- or Living with God? Why? Which is tougher? Gets more emphasis in churches?

Q: In your opinion, it is possible to live with God without humility? What does humble faith look like? What does faith without humility look like? Lead to?

Q: What are some other prepositions we like to use when it comes to God? Is there anything better than being WITH God?

Q: When did you “make God your God”? How did you express your desire to Him? Have you had other times in your life where you wanted to mark a fresh commitment to live humbly with Him? Is that a healthy thing in your opinion?

Q: Which of these 4 words/phrases (LIVE/HUMBLY/WITH/YOUR GOD) stands out the most to you right now and why? What invitation do you hear from God to respond to these phrases?

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:7, 9:10-13; Ephesians 2:1-10; Jude 20-23; James 2:8-9, 12-13; 1 Cor. 7:25

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Who/what do you find yourself rooting for? Why?

Q: Do you think of yourself as a person who is sinful and needs mercy? Or are you more prone to brush aside your shortcomings by saying that you’re only human and no one is perfect?

Q: Take a look at the Ephesians 2 passage. What words/phrases jump out to you and why?

Q: Have you ever hard a hard time rooting for yourself to find/receive God’s mercy? Does it help to know that no one deserves or can earn God’s love and forgiveness?

Q: Revisit Matthew 9:10-13 and Jude 20-23. Why do you think these passages instruct God’s people to “show mercy” to those who are far from God?

Q: In your experience, do Christians generally treat people who disagree with them with kindness? What might it look like for Jesus’ followers to root for others to find mercy?

FOR NEXT WEEK:  FOCUS: “Living Humbly With God”

FOCUS: "Doing The Right Thing"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:  Micah 6

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Do you think there is any significance to God leading off His instructions in Micah 6:8 with “do the right thing” instead of “live humbly with your God”? If so, what do you think God was trying to communicate?

Q: Do you associate obedience with a loving relationship? Why? Why not?

Q: Why do you think God would rather have us do what He says than have us offer sacrifices? Why do you think we tend to want to offer sacrifices more than obedience?

Q: Why do you think God cares so much about those suffering injustice? If He cares so much, why does He involve us in setting things right instead of just doing it Himself?

Q: What are some issues of injustice today that followers of Jesus ought to be addressing?

FOR NEXT WEEK:  FOCUS: “Loving Mercy”

The Life Week 15 "Raised Up"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
John 20-21

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Were you able to focus on the suffering of Jesus last week? If so, how did it affect the way you anticipated and experienced Easter?

Q: Have you ever been in a situation that you felt was hopeless? What happened?

Q: Why do you think it took several attempts for God to get through to Mary on Easter morning? Has Jesus ever “called your name” like He did to cut through Mary’s grief?

Q: When was the last time we saw Thomas in John’s account of Jesus life? What was your opinion of him then? Do you think Thomas is a skeptic in Jn 21- or just a guy with questions?

Q: In your opinion, is Thomas’ request to experience what the other disciples did reasonable or not?

Q: What does Peter’s presence with the other disciples after his denial and his reaction to seeing Jesus on the beach tell you about his love for Jesus?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
New teaching series starts!

The Life Week 14: "Lifted Up"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
John 19

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
1. Jesus is condemned. (John 19:1-16a)

2. Jesus carries His cross. (John 19:16b-17)

3.Jesus is stripped. (John 19:23-24)

4. Jesus is nailed to the cross. (John 19:18-22)

5. Jesus dies on the cross. (John 19:28-30)

6. Jesus’ body is taken down. (John 19:31-40)

7. Jesus is buried (John 19:41-42)

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Have you ever let yourself emotionally experience the suffering of Jesus before? How? What happened?

Q: In your opinion, is it possible to fully appreciate the joy of Jesus’ resurrection without dwelling on Jesus’ death?

Q: Which of the stations of the cross in John 19 impacted you most? Why?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 20-21

The Life Week 13: "Prayer, Power & Patience"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:  John 17-18

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: What is your busiest/craziest season of the year? How do you change during that time? Are there any “less than beautiful” traits that surface when you are overwhelmed?

Q: When you are stressed and swamped do you pray more for others or for yourself and your circumstances? What does it say to you that Jesus prayed for us as He was facing His death?

Q: What kinds of things do you pray for others? How do they compare with what Jesus asked God for us in John 17?

Q: What do you learn about Jesus from the way He handles His betrayal and arrest in John 18:1-11? Are you more drawn to Jesus’ overt or subtle/humble displays of power?

Q: What do you think prompts Peter to deny Jesus? What might he have been thinking?

Q: Jesus predicted Peter’s denial less than 12 hours ago? How has Peter forgotten about this already? What does this tell us about our need to take in and hold onto Jesus’ words- esp. in challenging times?

FOR NEXT WEEK:  John 19

The Life Week 12: "Life With(out) Jesus"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:  John 14-17

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: List all of the transitions you’ve made in the past 2 years. Do you enjoy change? Why/Not? What do you do to cope with it?

Q: Why do you think Jesus warns His friends that things may get rough for them after He leaves? Do you think churches talk enough these days about the challenges that come with following Jesus?

Q: Name a “less than ideal” situation you lived with because you knew it was only temporary and would come to an end. What’s your max. capacity for these kinds of transitions (6mos, 1year, etc.)?

Q: Do you think most followers of Jesus think more about being reunited with Jesus in heaven- or living life on earth now? What kind of balance between these perspectives do you think would be healthy?

Q: What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit? Do you ever sense His involvement in your day-to-day life? What does that look/feel like for you?

Q: Do these chapters shed any light on why people who want to follow Jesus should pray regularly? What do you think about the connection Jesus makes between love and obedience?

Q: Why do you think Jesus’ primary command in his last moments is for His friends to love each other? Have you ever experienced the love of God through another person? If so, give an example.

FOR NEXT WEEK:  John 18-19

The Life Week 11 "Servant Of All"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:  John 13

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Have you ever had a job where all the menial, grunt work fell to you? What did you have to do? What was that like?

Q: Do you like the fact that Jesus was unpredictable and at times confusing? Why/why not? Do you find the idea of a “humble God” appealing? Why/why not?

Q: What might lie behind Peter’s sporadic reaction when Jesus started to wash his feet?

Q: How does Jesus’ view and example of leadership compare to what our culture teaches us on the topic? Which are more attractive to you and why?

Q: Do you think Jesus was instituting foot washing as a literal practice for the church to continue in all times/cultures- or calling us to roll up our sleeves and serve each other however we might? Why?

Q: What does this story tell you about Jesus’ ability to love us despite our shortcomings?

FOR NEXT WEEK:  John 14-17

Worship, Fanfare, & Confusion

If you missed the teaching conversation, you can find it HERE. 

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: John 12

REFLECT/DISCUSS: 

Q:  When you think about Mary pouring a years' salary - approximately $30,000 worth of perfume - on Jesus' feet, what comes to mind? How would you have reacted if you were on of the disciples watching?

Q: By pouring out the perfume on Jesus' feet, what do you think Mary was ultimately expressing to Jesus?

Q: Why do you think Jesus didn't respond to the underlining truth of Judas' objection in verse 5? What can we learn from Jesus' response?

Q: Like Judas, have you ever been really involved with the things of God (church, Bible study, playing on the worship team, serving in the nursery, etc.) and felt as though you had never really experience Him? How did it make you feel? What did you do about?

Q: Why do you think people were so intrigued by Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead? What made this miracle unlike others He did? Ultimately, what do you think this miracle stated about Jesus? 

Q: What kind of king was the crowd at Jerusalem expecting Jesus to be? How did their expectations measure up to Jesus' actions in verse 14? 

Q:  Even after all that Jesus said and did, John tells us many people still didn't put their trust in Jesus. In verse 37-40, why does John say they still wouldn't believe? Wy is an "open heart" so important to our understanding of Jesus?

FOR NEXT WEEK: John 13 

The Life Week 9: "This Is Helping?"

If you missed the teaching conversation, you can find it HERE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: John 11

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Does any part of this story strike you funny when you first read it? What? Why?

Q: How would you summarize Jesus’ view of death from this passage? How does that compare to how you feel about and respond to death (not what you “believe” about it)?

Q: What (if any) opinions did you have of Thomas and Martha before this chapter? What do you think of them now? Does one impress you more than the other? If so, why?

Q: Have you ever hit a time where you questioned God and His love for you because things got hard or suffering came? What did you learn about God and your faith through those situations? Based on what you saw from Jesus in this story, how do you think God felt about your pain?

Q: Do you agree that many people seem to believe that following Jesus means that life will get easy and they’ll be protected from all suffering? How does this compare to what happened to Jesus Himself? To what He says about the life He is inviting us into?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 12

The Life Week 8: "Identity Confirmation Pt. 2"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: John 10

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Why do you think Jesus was so fond of using word pictures when He taught? Do these help you? If so, how?

Q: What do you take away from Jesus’ pictures of sheep, gates, and shepherds? What is Jesus telling us about identity (his and ours) and the relationship between us?

Q: Who/what do you think are the “thieves” that prey upon Jesus’ sheep and try to steal the life He wants to give them? Who/what have the thieves been in your relationship with God?

Q: What does the shepherd do for the sheep? What do the sheep do in response to the shepherd?

Q: What do you need most from the shepherd today? What do you need to do in response to Him?

FOR NEXT WEEK:

Trying praying Psalm 23 every day and read John 11 before next Sunday.

The Life Week 7: "I See"

If you missed Sunday's conversation, you can find the podcast HERE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 9

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Have you ever struggled with the question of why bad things happen if God is in control?  What’s your usual response?  What have you heard others say? Does John 9 shed any light on this issue for you?

Q: Why do you think Jesus chose to use spit, dirt and a face washing to heal this man when Jesus has healed with just a word in other situations?

Q: How do you feel about what the blind man’s parents did in this story?  Can you imagine being in their shoes?

Q: Re-read John 9 and note the blind man’s progression of ideas about/faith in Jesus.  Write them down.  What does this say to you about faith and your own journey?

Q: How has Jesus changed the way you see God, yourself and the world?  What has He opened your eyes to?  Take some time to pray and thank Him.

Q: What are some areas that you still have blind spots in?   Ask God to show you what He wants you to see.

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 10

The Life Week 6: "Who Believes?"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
John 7

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: In this chapter we find out that Jesus’ brothers aren’t supportive of what He is saying and doing. Have you ever had your family react the same way to you? Does your experience help you understand how Jesus might have felt?

Q: The crowds have a variety of opinions about Jesus. Some come from a misunderstanding of his birthplace. Jesus could have cleared this up easily. Why didn’t he?

Q: In John 7 the religious leaders make multiple attempts to arrest Jesus, but are thwarted by God. What does this say to us about God’s level of watchfulness over and involvement in Jesus’ life? Do you think He does the same thing with us?

Q: Who do you relate to most in this story & why? Jesus’ unbelieving family? Those in the crowds who have questions or are confused about Jesus? The soldiers who are captivated by His words? The religious leaders who want Jesus out of the way? Those in the crowds who believe?

Q: In our teaching on Sunday we discussed some things we can try if we want our faith in Jesus to grow: paying attention to what Jesus is doing and saying (Jn 7:44-51), checking our motives (Jn 7:16-18), working on our questions/doubts (Jn 7:40-43), and trying Jesus’ ways out for ourselves (Jn 8:30-32). Which would be a good next step for you in your journey with Jesus?

The Life Week 5 "Tough to Swallow?"

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 6

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: In this chapter we’re told that Jesus decided to test His followers’ faith.  Do you think God has ever tested you?  How?

Q: How do you think Jesus felt about His disciples’ lack of faith?  How do you think Jesus feels/responds when we let Him down?

Q: Jesus tells the crowds the truth about themselves- they’re only seeking Him because they want another free meal.  What has Jesus been honest with you about lately?  Did you like hearing that?

Q: Even though the crowd initially came to see miracles or eat free food, Jesus calls them to more.  What initially brought you to Jesus?  Has Jesus called you to move beyond that?

Q: Jesus describes himself as the “source of life” (light, bread, water, etc.) and offers us His life to sustain us.  Does this fit your picture of your relationship with Jesus?  If not, how would you describe it?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 7 & 8:12-59

The Life Week 4: "Identity Confirmation"

If you missed this weekend's gathering you can stream the audio of the teaching HERE or download it via ITunes and listen to it when and where you want HERE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
John 4:43-54, chapter 5

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Of the 3 interactions with Jesus we covered in this teaching- which feels more like your own experience? Are you coming for help like the father of the sick child? Did Jesus come find you like the guy by the pool of Bethesda? Are you arguing with Jesus like the Jewish religious leaders?

Q: Do you think one of the folks who got a miracle showed more faith than the other? Who? How?

Q: What parallels do you see in these miracles? What differences do you notice?

Q: What does it stay to you about Jesus that He risked his anonymity to find the paralyzed man he’d healed and continue pointing Him to God?

Q: What problems (Stated and unstated) do the Jewish religious leaders have with Jesus? Can you relate to them at all?

Q: Which of the witnesses Jesus names in John 5 (John the Baptist, His miracles, God, The Scriptures) is the most impressive to you? How has Jesus has confirmed His identity to you personally?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 6

The Life Week 3 "Conversations"

If you missed this weekend's gathering you can stream the audio of the teaching HERE or download it via ITunes and listen to it when and where you want HERE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:
John 3:1-21; 4:1-42

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Of the two people Jesus talked with in these passages (Nicodemus & the Samaritan woman) who do you identify more with and why?

Q: When was the last time you had a conversation with God/Jesus? What was it about? Did you leave puzzled like Nicodemus or excited like the woman at the well?

Q: Nicodemus approached Jesus with compliments. When the conversation got too personal, the Samaritan woman tried to throw Jesus off with theological questions. What tactics do you employ when you come face to face with God and don’t want to open up?

Q: Some people believe that Jesus never saw Himself as the Messiah and never intended to die. Do these conversations shed any light on Jesus’ understanding of His identity and mission?

Q: Why do you think Jesus was content to stump Nicodemus when He revealed Himself pretty clearly to the Samaritan woman?

Q: If you could sit down with Jesus over a cup of coffee this week, what would you want to say to/ask Him? What do you think He would want to talk with you about?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
John 4:43-54 & 5

The Life Week 2 "VINTNER & BOUNCER"

If you missed this weekend's gathering you can stream the audio of the teaching HERE, or download it via ITunes and listen to it when and where you want HERE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 2 (vv.1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-11, 13-14, 15-17, 18-22)

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: How do you feel when you think about Jesus attending a week long party- complete with wine? And then making lots of “good wine”? Does this mesh with your previous images of Jesus?

Q: Why do you think Jesus did the wine into water miracle? Who was it for? What message was He sending?

Q: When He shows up to worship, Jesus finds the temple junked up with vendors. Have you had a similar experience where you felt like a special place or thing was ruined by commercialism or exploitation? If so, how did you feel? Respond?

Q: Are you surprised that Jesus makes a whip and gets physical with the vendors in the temple? Is He condoning violence as a means to advance His agenda?

Q: What light does Jesus’ interaction with the religious leaders shed on His actions and His understanding of His future?

Q: What do you think Jesus’ followers took away from this episode in the temple courtyard? What does it mean to/for us?

FOR NEXT WEEK:

John 3:1-21; 4:1-42