Rediscover Church - Week 4

Read Reasons 7 & 8
Online Reader Link - Click Here

Discussion Questions:

1. Is Church boring? Why and why not? What do you think is the most critical attitude to have each Sunday at church?
2. In what other ways must we change our mindset when it comes to Church? What role do things like "expectation" and "anticipation" play in our approach to Church?
3. What do you think is the right balance between friendliness and anonymity when approaching newcomers to a church? Is our church successful in achieving that balance? Why or why not?
4. How can we personally make someone else feel more comfortable attending our Church?

Rediscover Church - Week 3

Read Reasons 5 & 6
Online Reader Link - Click Here

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the comment "You can be committed to a Church, but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ without being committed to a church?" Is this an accurate statement, why?
2. How would you describe to someone investigating Christianity the difference between going to church to become a "good" person versus going to church to become a "better" person?
3. Why do you think going to church today has become just one more thing to do for many folks?
4. In what way do you make time together with other believers a priority in your family? What do you believe God's true intent for church membership and attendance is?

Rediscover Church - Week 2

Read Reasons #3 and #4
Online Reader Link - Click Here

Scripture Readings: Matt 6:19-21

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you describe the relationship between churches and giving? Why do you describe it the way you do?
2. In what way do you or don't you obey the command to store up treasures in heaven?
3. What would you say to a seeker who is turned off by the discussion of money at church?
4. What life circumstances do you believe most impact a persons motivation to attend church? Has there ever been a change in your life that pulled you away from a body of believers?
5. The book discusses the "pain" of being apart from the body of Christ. How might we help someone understand that pain or loss that we have felt personally when we have been away from the fellowship of believers?

Rediscover Church - Week 1

Read Reasons #1 and #2
Online Reader Link - Click Here

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways do we make Church today about the do’s and don’ts at the expense of reflecting an accurate characterization of the love of God?
2. In what ways does Church have to be “organized?” In what ways could we use a little more “dis-organization?” In what ways can an organized church reflect the “richness” of Christ’s love?
3. How would you describe to a seeker the difference between experiencing God in nature and experiencing God in a personal relationship?
4. What do you think are the main reasons why Church visitors do not “connect” with others in a meaningful way? Why?
5. Other comments?
   

The Beatitudes - Week 8

Blessed are the persecuted...

Scripture Reading: Matt 5:10-12, 1 Pe 4:14, 2 Tim 3:12, Rom 1:16

Discussion Questions:

1. Travis gave a few examples of how we might be persecuted as Christians today. Which of the examples could you identify with? Have you ever been persecuted/insulted/disadvantaged because of your faith in Christ?
2. Persecuted believers overseas have told of becoming more compelled to share the Gospel after being mistreated, more filled with love for those who persecuted them. How can you explain this kind of response? How can we grow in our understanding of this kind of love?
3. How would you respond to the question - "What price are you paying to follow Christ?" If you are honest with yourself, in what ways are you ashamed of the Gospel?
4. What examples do you have in your life of a friend who lives "for the world that is to come?" How does living for eternity change your perspective on being insulted / mistreated for your Christian faith?
   

The Beatitudes - Week 7

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Scripture Reading: Matt 5:9, Rom 13:4, Jer 6:14, James 4:1, Phil 4:5-7

Discussion Questions

1. How would you describe the difference between simply avoiding conflict and truly making peace? What are the logical outcomes of each approach?
2. Peacemaking can begin with an authentic apology, but must address the ways in which we have broken peace, and make amends. In what ways have you seen this type of peacemaking at work in your life?
3. Travis explained how gossip can break peace in a family, in a church, in a workplace. How can you play a role in intercepting and short-circuiting stories that would break peace?
4. How would you evaluate yourself as a peacemaker? Why?
   

The Beatitudes - Week 6

Blessed are the pure in heart....

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 5:1-12; Proverbs 4:23; Hebrews 11:27; Deuteronomy 4:29; Ezekiel 36:26

1. What do you believe it means to “see God” in this verse? What different ways or times have you “seen” him throughout your life?
2. The heart is referred to in the Bible as being the central seat of emotion, purpose and meaning. We are told to love God with ALL our hearts, seek God with ALL our hearts, believe in God with ALL our hearts, guard our hearts, write love and faithfulness on our heart, and to work at things with ALL our hearts. Jesus himself said “For wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34). With all this in mind, if you were to ask God to examine your heart right now, what do you believe he would tell you? What would he call you to change in your life?
3. Travis outlined five areas that define someone who is pure in heart (Pure Purpose, Pure Integrity, Pure lifestyles, Pure intentions, and Beginning with a new heart). Which of these areas challenged you the most? Why?
4. Travis described those who have given their life to Christ as having a “heart transplant.” If you have experienced this transplant or new birth in your life, explain what it has meant for the state of your heart? How can we continue insure our heart beats in step with Christ?

The Beatitudes - Week 5

Blessed are the merciful....

Scripture:

Matthew 5:7; Ephesians 2:4-5; Mark 5:19; Romans 12:1 (New International Version)

Discussion Questions

1. Travis defined mercy as not receiving the consequences we do deserve and grace as receiving blessings that we do not deserve. What do you think of these definitions? How do mercy and grace complement each other?
2. The two parables Travis referred to in the sermon (Good Samaritan / Unforgiving Slave) serve as examples of how indifference and unforgiveness can oppose mercy. Which of the two parables had the greatest influence in defining Jesus' "mercy" standard for you? Why?
3. What would it mean for you personally to be "rich in mercy?" (Eph 2:4) How would your life need to change?
4. What role should mercy play in our testimony to others about Christ? How should we respond to mercy offered to us? (Mark 5:19, Rom 12:1)

The Beatitudes - Week 4

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness....

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about God having a unique "you" shaped vacuum in his heart reserved just for you? How do you feel about each one of us having a unique shaped hole deep in our souls reserved for God?
2. What are different ways that we as humans try to fill these unique holes deep in our souls that are reserved for God? Have you ever tried to fill this hole with things other than God in order to feel complete?
3. Prior to hearing this message, how would you have defined the word "righteousness"? What is the difference between righteousness and self-righteousness?
4. Travis defined righteousness as "right-ness". We heard about three types of righteousness; legal, moral and social. How would you describe these three types of righteousness?

The Beatitudes - Week 3

Blessed are the meek...

Scripture Review: Matt 5:1-12

Discussion Questions:

1. Meekness is not a character trait exalted in our world today. It is misunderstood and seen as a reflection of weakness. How does understand meekness as “strength that is bridled” change your reading of this Beatitude?
2. Travis equated the decision to be “meek” to those last three steps before a defensive lineman hits a quarterback (when he shouldn’t). What goes through your mind during those “last three steps” when you face a decision to use your authority to break others down, rather than use meekness to build others up?
3. How would you describe the difference between meekness and “door-mat-ness”? When should we exert our strength?
4. Meekness before God is when character is built and loyalty is demonstrated. How often do you consider the word “nevertheless” in your prayer life? Would you really be comfortable yielding the power to God that comes with the word “nevertheless?” What would this mean for your faith?

The Beatitudes - Week 2

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 5:1-12; 2 Corinthians 7:10; James 4:8-10; Mark 10:17-31 (New International Version)

1. Travis explained that when we experience pain or loss in our lives,mourning can be a natural and healthy part of the grieving process. In what way have you experienced this in your life? What healing characteristics have you found grieving to convey?
2. Jesus said in John 16:33 that "in this world you will have trouble," yet we tend to live our lives thinking it will never happen to us. God uses the adversity, challenges and loss in our lives to make us all he wants us to be. How can we better prepare for our inevitable journey "into the valley?" How has God refined your faith through past loss and the mourning that resulted?
3. We were not created to journey through this life alone. In fact, God created us for fellowship with Himself and each other. Has God ever put someone in your life to walk through the valley with you?
4. Reading "Blessed are those who mourn" in the context of "Blessed are those who are poor in spirit," we understand this week that mourning should be a natural response to those who are "poor in spirit" or have an accurate assessment of their desperate need for God's mercy. With this in mind, we were challenged to evaluate whether we are just "managing" our sin or truly "repenting" and turning from our sin. Which is it for you? How would you describe the difference in light of this week's beatitude?

The Beatitudes - Week 1

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-3

Discussion Questions

1. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turned many things “upside down,” challenging conventional wisdom of the time. Since you have grown in your relationship with Christ, what has he turned “upside down” in your life? In what areas of your life have you had to transform you thinking out of obedience to Christ?
2. Travis defined “Blessed” as more than happiness, but joy that runs deeper and is independent of your circumstances. When have you experienced such joy? How would you describe the difference between happiness and contentment to someone who is seeking to know God better?
3. How does being “poor in spirit” impact our relationships with others? Our relationship with God?
4. Those who are “poor in spirit” are always more grateful for and surprised by God’s mercy. As Christians, how do we cultivate a more consistent awareness of this desperate need for the mercy of God? Who do you recognize in your life that models this attitude?
5. What else did you learn?
   

1 John - Week 3

Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:11 - 4:21

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the relationship between loving God and loving other believers?


2. How do you demonstrate your love to other Christians? When do you struggle with loving other Christians?


3. Why is it easier to love with words rather than actions? What area of your life do you need to have more consistency between what you say and what you do?


4. What influences in your life (e.g. books, movies, music, ideas, etc) do you need to "put to the test" to see if they are from God? How might God be asking you to change?


5. What else did you learn?

1 John 1 - Week 2

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:15 - 3:10

Discussion Questions:

1. How do we love the world and the things in it? Why are the things and values of the world so enticing to us?
2. How have you been successful in finding satisfaction in your relationship with God rather than in the things of this world? What worldly thing or value do you need to turn from in order to pursue your relationship with God?
3. What false teachings are prevalent today in our society? How should we protect ourselves from them?
4. What does it mean to "continue in Christ" (verse 28)
5. What else did you learn?

1 John - Week 1

Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1 - 2:14

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you typically associate with the term "fellowship?" What type of fellowship does this passage describe?
2. What blocks our fellowship with God? With others? What can we do to enhance our fellowship?
3. In what ways do we "walk in darkness?" How can we "walk in the light?"
4. What assurances does this passage provide for the Christian?
5. How do you need to change the way your relate to other believers in order to grow closer to God?
6. What else did you learn?

Trusteeship

Scripture Reading:
2 Cor 8:1-9, 9:6-8
Mal 3:10, Act 20:35, Mark 12:44

1. What is your current approach to how you “distribute” your money? If you are honest with yourself, what are your priorities? Why do you think our heart follows what we “treasure?”

2. The Bible, unlike the USA Today, does not hold up a billionaire giving half his wealth away as the example, but the poor Macedonian churches pleading for the privilege to share and the poor widow who “out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). What is compelling about these examples? How should they shape our approach to giving?

3. Jesus spoke of properly managing money more than any other discipline. Do you have a plan for how to manage your money like you might plan to get in shape, to educate your children or earn your next promotion?

4. Travis asserted that “Generosity has to be learned” – Who in your life is an example of generosity? What would it take for you to be a more cheerful giver? What does our current level of generosity and giving say about our faith?

A Wee Little Man

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Discussion Questions:

1. John mentioned the idea of "incarnational" living. What could this mean in your life? How should it change the way you see others? When in the past have you sensed Jesus living through you?

2. What would it mean for you to step into the life of someone on the fringe, a reject like Zacchaeus? In what ways would you need to address our tendency to objectify those who are different that us?

3. What does it mean to you that Jesus came to "seek and save the lost?" Have we lost our way as followers of Jesus in living as he did?

4. What else did you learn?

Membership

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Discussion Questions:

1. Our scripture text this past Sunday was Acts 2:42-47. These scriptures are often referred to as "The Fellowship of The Believers." Read the scriptures by clicking on the link above. Does anything jump out at you from these verses?

2. Consumerism has found its way into our churches. How do you feel about having a consumer mentality when it comes to church? Should we be asking ourselves, "What's in it for me?" or "What's in me for it?" God has gifted and equipped each of us for service in the Church. What gifts or talents do you have? Have you found a place in the church where you can use your gifts? Why or why not?

3. Pastor Travis talked about a phenomena known as "commitaphobia". Have you ever suffered from commitaphobia? Why do you think some people attend a church and choose not to become members?

4. Why do you think it is that people often say they "belong" to a gym or country club and "go" to a church? How do you feel about "belonging" to a church?

The Dream of Your Own Survival - The Call

Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 38-39

Discussion Questions:

1. Hezekiah received a miraculous "second chance" from God. When have you received a "second chance" from God in a relationship, opportunity, etc? What was your attitude in response? What did you do with that chance?
2. As Christians in this country, we often find ourselves pursuing the American Dream of security, prosperity and comfort for ourselves. These pursuits are contrary to Jesus' call to lose "our lives for him" and Paul's command in Romans 12 to "share with God's people who are in need." With this in mind, how should we evaluate our opportunities and actions? How do we grow inour ability to allow the love of Christ to transform our lives?
3. Your legacy is one of the few things of true value that you leave behind when God calls you home. We learned this week that Hezekiah, who successfully pleaded with God to obtain 15 more years of life, ruined his legacy by not holding fast to the vision he had for his people. What do you want your legacy to be? What in your life will have the greatest influence over shaping your legacy? Will your legacy be consistent with the Great Commission? The Great
   Commandment?
   

Fellowship

Scripture Reading:

Romans 12:1-16
Gal 6:2, James 4:7, Titus 3:9

Discussion Questions:

1. Travis described fellowship as “unity in community” – when a group has a common mission and understands how much they depend on each other to work toward that mission. In what areas do you see the Church exhibiting true fellowship? In what ways do we fall short? What might God be challenging us to do differently through this message?

2. Hospitality is also critical to true fellowship. How would you describe the difference between treating someone as a “guest” versus just a “visitor?” If a new person visited our church, which do you think they would feel more like and why?

3. Koinonia (the Greek word for Fellowship) – can turn into “Koinonitis” if we turn to far inward and unintentionally exclude others. How can we be more purposeful to include newcomers into all areas of our church’s activities?

4. Romans 1:16 commands that we “live in harmony” with each other. How do you see different “types” of people complementing each other within the Body of Christ? How does genuine Christ-like love enable this type of harmony?

Citizenship

Scripture Reading:

1 Peter 1:1, 2:11-17

Romans 13:1, 1 Tim 2:1-2, Matt 5:13-16, Phil 3:20

Discussion Questions:

1. According to Peter, how are we called to relate to the authority in our lives? In what way might it be difficult to honor God in this way? What might God be teaching you?

2. Travis mentioned that many of us enjoy the “safety of our own home” too much and do not get involved in the lives of others. Based on his statement that “hearts and societies are changed by individual actions,” what might God be calling you to do to be a better citizen? Who in your life has been a living example of citizenship of this kind?

3. How does recognizing that we are really citizens of heaven make us better citizens here are earth? How would you explain the balance between being in the world, but not of the world?

Book of Acts - Review

Reading Assignment: Review the Book of Acts

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you see as the key theme of Acts?
2. How would you characterize the connection between Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts (remember - both written by Luke)?
3. What verse or passage had the greatest impact on you personally over the course of the study? Explain?
4. In what way is God calling you to change as the result of this study? How can we help you?
5. Final thoughts

Book of Acts - Chapter 28

Reading Assignment: Acts 28

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you ever have doubts of God's provision in your life? How can we be reassured through Paul's life, that God will provide for all our needs, no matter what the circumstances?
2. How was Paul faithful to his calling upon his arrival in Rome? What was familiar about his approach to spreading the Good News? Why do you think he did what he did?
3. How did Paul leave it with the Jews who did not believe? What can we learn from his approach?
4. What else did you learn?
   

Book of Acts - Chapter 26-27

This Week's Reading: Acts 26-27

Discussion Questions:

1. We have heard Paul tell his story a few times in the last few chapters of Acts. How did he tailor his message to the audience and the situation he faced? What can we learn from the way he did it?
2. What story of God's working in your life can you rehearse for sharing with others?
3. Paul's wise counsel was ignored by the sailors, in what circumstances can we ignore wise counsel? What can a person do to make his or her counsel likely to be heard?
4. Once they lost control of the ship and their situation, how do you think the men felt? What do you do when circumstances are beyond your control?
5. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 24-25

This Week's Reading: Acts 24-25

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you relate to the waiting that Paul endured during his imprisonment? How can we show patience in a time of long-term waiting?
2. In what way did Paul's enemies try to manipulate circumstances to serve their own ends? Are their circumstances or people in your life that you need to avoid to protect your spiritual well-being?
3. In what way did Paul's arrest help him spread the news about Christ?
4. Why might God allow us to suffer for no apparent reason? In what difficult situation do you need to remember that God is sovereignly in control?
5. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 22-23

This Week's Reading: Acts 22-23

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways can we show respect to others even when they treat us disrespectfully? Have you encountered these kinds of circumstances? How did you respond?
2. When you feel attacked or discouraged, how can you draw encouragement from the Lord?
3. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to stand up for the truth? Explain your response?
4. What strikes you the most about Paul's behavior in this passage? Why?
5. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 20-21

This Week's Reading: Acts 20-21

Discussion Questions:

1. What value would it have for you to write down your thoughts as you reflect on God's Word each day this week? How hard would it be for you to do that?
2. What are some steps you can take to be alert and thoughtful in church each Sunday?
3. Why do mature Christians need to 'be on guard' and "watch over" younger believers in their congregation?
4. Have you ever made a decision that you still stand by, even though some others didn't approve of your choice? Explain.
5. In what situations could you need to adjust your behavior for the sake of others? What words or practices can you use to show respect in how you speak to others?
   
6. What else did you learn?
   

Book of Acts - Chapter 18-19

This Week's Reading: Acts 18-19

Discussion Questions:

1. How should we respond when people reject the Gospel?
2. What means has God given you to be an encouragement to others?
3. Who helped you understand God's plan of salvation? In what way was it explained to you?
   
4. When did you understand that the Holy Spirit was at work in your life? What was the significance of this revelation to you?
   
5. What price did Paul and his friends pay for doing what is right?
6. What else did you learn?
   

Book of Acts - Chapter 16-17

This Week's Reading: Acts 16-17

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think Paul, Silas and Timothy recognized the Holy Spirit's directions as they traveled around Asia Minor? How can you listen more closely to the Holy Spirit's direction in your life?
2. In our society today, what are some ways people are n bondage to evil (like the slave girl)?
3. How should we cope with opposition to the message of Christ? In what setting can you be a verbal witness for Christ this week?
4. What can we learn from the passage about what it means to welcome the message of Christ (e.g. in Berea)?
5. How did Paul tailor his message to the Athenians? How should we be flexible in our approach to evangelism today?
6. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 14-15

This Week's Reading: Acts 14-15

Discussion Questions:

1. What happens to a church when a congregation divides its loyalties among leaders?
2. Have can you support those God has called to lead you church?
3. What can you do to direct people's attention to Christ and not to you?
4. What areas of faith create conflict in you? Where can you get help to resolve an issue you are struggling with?
5. How can God use the strengths and weaknesses of your personality to get things done?
6. What else did you learn?
   

Book of Acts - Chapter 12-13

This Week's Reading: Acts 12-13

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you tend to react in trying circumstances? What can we learn from the way Peter handled his situation?
2. How does the example of Herod serve as a warning to us today? What can you do today to cultivate humility in your life?
3. What experience have you had in your church with the commission of missionaries? What impact has this had on you?
4. How can we be helpful to missionaries and other Christian workers?
5. Given your background, training and interests, to what group of people are you best suited to share the Gospel?
6. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 10-11

This Week's Reading: Acts 10-11

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it that many kind, "God fearing" people do not have a personal relationship with Christ? What should be our response to these people based on Peter's example?
2. What are some reasons we reject or avoid certain people? How can we be more open-minded toward others?
3. If you had a vision like Peter's, what prejudices do you think God would call you to get rid of?
4. What can we do to enlarge the circle of people to whom you reach out to? Give an example of when you took a risk in a relationship and it paid off.
5. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Chapter 9

This Week's Reading: Acts 9

Discussion Questions:

1. What was your conversion experience like? Have have you changed because of knowing Christ?
2. What are some of the many ways a person can play a part in leading someone to Christ? What examples of this do you have?
3. How do unbelievers today oppose those who tell others about Christ?
4. In what ways can a new Christian have a unique witness to friends and associates?
5. How can you challenge a friend or neighbor with the message of salvation this week?
6. Why are the signs and wonders of the early church largely absent from the Christian community today?

On this last question, which I am not sure we will get to, I found a very balanced blog post by John Piper, a good friend's pastor from Minnesota. Click on the hyperlink below to read it and let me know what you think.

ARE SIGNS AND WONDERS FOR TODAY?

Book of Acts - Chapter 7-8

This Week's Reading: Acts 7-8

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Stephen compare the attitude of the Sanhedrin with that of God's people down through the centuries?
2. What rituals or traditions still hinder change and spiritual progress among believers?
3. What was the significance of the "scattering" of the church? How is your church, through its mission work, scattered throughout the world?
4. What does it mean for your heart to be right before God? (e.g. Simon the Sorcerer)
5. Most Samaritans and Jews did not get along; what significance did it have that the early Jewish Christians told Samaritans about Christ?
6. How was Philip prepared to share the Gospel? In your bible study this week, how can you prepare yourself to share what you learn?
7. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Acts 5-6

This Week's Reading: Acts 5-6

Discussion Questions

1. What do we tend to hold back from the Lord in our lives?
2. In what ways is it appropriate to be afraid of God?
3. Have you ever had to clearly obey God rather than man? Explain the circumstances? What challenges do we face today in following Christ in our current world?
4. How did the disciples react to their persecution? What should we remember from this passage next time we are challenged or hurt for our faith in Christ?
5. Why was it important for the disciples to focus on the mission of prayer, evangelism and teaching? Should we have this objective for our pastors in our church today? What can we do to fulfill it?
6. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Acts 3-4

This Week's Reading: Acts 3-4

Discussion Questions:

1. If God were to do a miracle of healing among the people in your church, how do you think most people would respond? Why?
2. How did you respond the last time God answered a prayer?
3. What can we learn from Peter's approach to explaining the truth about Jesus?
4. In our society, when should a Christian stand up for his or her faith in Christ? How can you be prepared to stand up for Christ when your beliefs are challenged?
5. Do you feel you have a place to go for prayer/encouragement in times of trouble? Why or why not?
6. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Acts 2

This Week's Reading: Acts 2

Discussion Questions:

1. If you were present at the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, how do you think you would have responded? Why?
2. How have you been changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
3. How can you be more open to seeing, hearing and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? What areas of unbelief do you think you must deal with in order to become more open to the movement of God in your life?
4. How can you prepare your friends and neighbors for the news that Christ can change their lives?
5. How do you think your church should be more like the early church? Should be different from the early church?
6. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Acts 1

Reminder: We Launch the Thursday morning group this week - same place, time and material as Friday's meeting - hope to see you Thurs or Fri!

This Week's Reading: Acts 1

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think the disciples of Jesus felt about the time they had with him between his Resurrection and Ascension? What do you think it would have been like to be there with him during that time?
2. What is the importance of Jesus' final promise and command to you (us)?
3. What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being his witness?
4. How did Peter take leadership of the early Christians? Recalling that Peter denied Jesus earlier, how do you think the disciples felt about Peter's leadership?
5. What else did you learn?

Book of Acts - Introduction

For this week:

• Read a Study Bible introductions to the Book of Acts
• Bring one or two things you learned about the book or author to our meeting (see below for helpful links)
  
• Extra Credit - Read the Gospel of Luke this week as an intro to the Book of Acts. You don't need to study it, just read it as if you were reading a book and think of 2 or 3 themes you see the author pointing to.

Introductions to Acts:

http://bible.org/seriespage/acts-introduction-outline-and-argument

http://www.biblica.com/niv/studybible/acts.php

http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/intros/acts.cfm

Seven Promises - Week 10

Reading Assignment: If you have not finished the book, do so for this week. A few general review questions below.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the seven promises do you most need to make more of a focus in your life? Why?
2. What factors/distractors keep men from being true promise keepers?
3. How would your life be different if you held to the promises of this book?
4. What else did you learn from this study?

Seven Promises - Week 9

Reading Assignment - Promise #7 - A Man and His World

Mark 12:30-31
Matt 28:19-20

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it so hard to love someone who has hurt you? What struck you most about the examples given from this week's reading?
2. Share an example where you knew God was calling you to an "agape" love for someone in your life, but you were resistant. What were the circumstances and outcome?
3. How will you know you are loving someone by faith?
4. Has anyone in the group had the experience of leading someone to faith in Christ? If yes, explain one experience and how you felt as that person responded.
5. What else did you learn?

Seven Promises - Week 8

Reading Assignment: Promise #6 - A Man and His Brothers

Scripture Reading: John 17:20-21

Discussion Questions:

1. When in your life have you been most aware of the struggle among the races? The impact of ethnicity or denominational differences on the Church?
2. As you think about reaching across denominational or racial barriers, what are your biggest concerns? What do you see as the greatest benefit?
3. What examples have you seen among men in establishing relationships with brothers of a different denomination or ethnic background?
4. What else did you learn?

Seven Promises - Week 7

Reading Assignment - Promise #5: A Man and His Church

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you believe it means to be "involved" in a Church? How involved would you say that your are in your Church? Explain your answer?
2. What struck you about the author's explanation of what it means to honor your pastor? What could you (or those in the church) do differently to achieve this?
3. How do the inward focused promises (#1-#4) impact your ability to live out this promise?
   
4. How would you describe your current attitude toward your Church? What element of Church has the most impact on this attitude (people, preaching, worship)?
5. What else did you learn?
   

Seven Promises - Week 6

Reading Assignment - Promise #4

Scripture Review: Eph 5:25, 6:4

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some things on your menu of expectations for your relationship with your wife (or if you are single, with your future mate)?


2. How meaningful is communications with your wife? What can you do in the next week to make it more meaningful for her?


3. How do you express your values to your children?


4. What is your reaction to the statement about parenting - "It's not really the quantity of time that matters, it is the quality of time?"


5. What else did you learn?

Seven Promises - Week 5

Reading Assignment - Promise #3

Scripture Review:

Isaiah 6:1-8, Eph 1:4, 4:1, 5:1, James 1:14-15, 1 Chron 29:10-11

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe your reaction as your read through the chapters about this promise - what feelings did you sense, why?
2. Did the chapter change your perspective at all on: (i) what is means to be spiritual, (ii) resisting temptation, (iii) God's view of our money, (iv) anything else?
3. When you think of integrity, what do you think of? Why?
4. What would it mean for you to be accountable in these areas of purity?
5. What else did you learn?

Seven Promises - Week 4

Reading Assignment - Promise #2 - A Man and his Mentors

Scripture Review:

Eccles 4:9-12
2 Peter 3:18
Col 1:28-29
Rom 12:2

Discussion Questions:

1. Complete the statement - When I think of mentoring, I think of_______.
2. Tell about a person who is (or was) a mentor in your life.
3. What reasons given for why men have difficulty forming close relationships can you identify with most? Why?
4. What characteristics are you looking for as you consider a Paul, Barnabas and a Timothy in your life?
5. What else did you learn this week?