tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45819254964577681842024-03-05T18:30:49.392+11:00SmallGroupsChristian Small Group Bible Studies and Small Group leaders resources for leading groups.Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-61079181127711931592010-09-06T09:19:00.000+10:002010-09-06T09:19:49.788+10:001 Peter 1:1-12 - Praise to God for a Living Hope<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>1 Peter 1:1-12 - Praise to God for a Living Hope</b><br />
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1. Complete this sentence any way you'd like: I hope that . . .<br />
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2. To whom did Peter address his letter? (1:1)<br />
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3. How had Peter's readers been chosen? (1:2)<br />
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4. What had God given Peter and his readers? (1:3)<br />
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5. By what are believers shielded? For how long? (1:5)<br />
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6. What did Peter tell his readers they may have to suffer? (1:6)<br />
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7. Why had trials come to Peter's audience? (1:7)<br />
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8. What benefit is there in suffering? (1:7)<br />
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9. What did Peter say was the goal of their faith? (1:9)<br />
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10. What did the Spirit of Christ predict? (1:11)<br />
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11. What did the angels long to do? (1:12)<br />
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12. When did God give you new birth?<br />
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13. What trials are you or have you suffered recently?<br />
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14. How have the trials you've been through strengthened and refined your faith?<br />
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15. What is the goal of your faith?<br />
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16. How do you need to adjust your attitude about the trials in your life?<br />
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17. What can you do this week to welcome the present trials in your life?<br />
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18. How will you rejoice in your salvation today?<br />
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</div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-89407318869945987562010-09-06T09:14:00.000+10:002010-09-06T09:14:53.448+10:00Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 1. When you hear the word "authority," who first comes to mind?<br />
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2. In what town did Jesus heal the centurion's servant? (7:1-2)<br />
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3. Whom did the centurion send to present his request to Jesus? (7:3)<br />
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4. What different character qualities were demonstrated by the centurion? (7:3-8)<br />
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5. What message did the centurion send when he discovered Jesus was actually coming to his house? (7:6-8)<br />
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6. How did the centurion understand the concept of authority? (7:6-8)<br />
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7. How did Jesus react to the centurion's words? (7:9)<br />
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8. To whom did Jesus remark on the uniqueness of the centurion's faith? (7:9)<br />
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9. What happened to the centurion's servant? (7:10)<br />
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10. What characteristics of the centurion's attitude and request would be helpful to remember when we ask God for help?<br />
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11. Why is it difficult for us to be as dependent on God as the centurion was?<br />
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12. Why is it important to be encouraged about the quality of our faith, even as Jesus affirmed the faith of the centurion?<br />
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13. What are some of the ways in which Jesus is Lord of your life?<br />
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14. How could you affirm the faith of someone who has been an example to you?<br />
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15. How can you strengthen your friendships with other Christians this week?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-67838658528196505082010-09-06T09:07:00.000+10:002010-09-06T09:07:37.168+10:00Luke 15:1-7<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Luke 15:1-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep</b><br />
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1. As a child, when was a time you got lost from your family or a group?<br />
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2. What were the Pharisees and teachers of the law doing? (15:2)<br />
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3. What does a conscientious shepherd do when one of the flock is lost? (15:4)<br />
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4. What happens when a shepherd returns to his home and flock after finding a lost sheep? (15:6)<br />
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5. How does heaven react when a sinner repents? (15:7)<br />
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6. What kind of people do not need to repent? (15:7)<br />
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7. Why did the religious leaders miss the point of what Jesus' ministry was about?<br />
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8. Why did Jesus choose a parable about sheep to make His point?<br />
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9. In what ways do we go astray?<br />
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10. How does the picture of "rejoicing in heaven" over repentance make you feel?<br />
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11. In what situations are you most tempted to stray from God?<br />
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12. What can you do this week to help a fellow believer who may be straying from God's ways?<br />
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13. What practical step can you take to avoid tempting situations?</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-491096606377953242010-09-01T12:08:00.001+10:002010-09-01T12:13:24.917+10:00Seven steps that bring a small group to a healthy end<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. <i>During the last meeting,talk about your experience as a group and what the group meant to you.</i> Use affirmation questions to get the conversation flowing:</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li> If you could give a gift to anyone in the room,what would you give and to whom?</li>
<li>Pick someone in the room and name a characteristic they have that you are most thankful for.</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This ends the group on a positive note and helps members leave with good feelings about their small group experience.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. <i>Fill out a written evaluation or survey</i>, answering questions like, What did you like most about eh group? What did you like least? In which area of your spiritual life do you feel you grew the most as a result of meeting with this small group?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. <i>Plan to keep in touch in the future. </i>(Set up a fellowship time once a month after your last meeting, just to see how everyone is doing.)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4.<i> After the group closes, have the leader(s) and host or hostess write a note of appreciation and encouragement to each member.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. <i>Be sure your church's co-ordinator of groups has a complete list of all the participants for future reference.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>6. Make sure that the group leader lets everyone know about alternative small group opportunities. </i>This way interested people can get involved in new groups. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7.<i> At the final meeting the leader should exhort members to continue to pray for each other.</i> The leader can also encourage them to continue getting together- as prayer partners, for example.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Contributed by Judy Hamlin, Prestonwood Baptist Church, 15720 Hillcrest, Dallas, TX 75248 </span></b></span></li>
</ul>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-26465291312995229262010-08-03T14:34:00.001+10:002010-08-17T09:11:02.093+10:00Hebrews 13:1-25 - Keep on Loving<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 13:1-25 - Keep on Loving</b><br />
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1. What would you want to say to your loved ones if you could write them a last letter or make a final videotaped message?<br />
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2. What is one change you'd like to make but don't think you can right now?<br />
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3. What kind of love are Christians to demonstrate? (13:1)<br />
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4. What kinds of people does God want Christians to try to help? (13:3)<br />
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5. Why is sexual purity important? (13:4)<br />
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6. What attitude toward money ought Christians to have? Why? (13:5)<br />
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7. How can we learn to be content? (13:5)<br />
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8. How should Christians view their spiritual leaders? (13:7, 17)<br />
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9. What kind of sacrifices should we offer to God? (13:15-16)<br />
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10. What did the writer pray would happen to his readers? (13:20-21)<br />
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11. Why do you think is it so difficult to be content?<br />
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12. How can we draw contentment from God's unchanging nature?<br />
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13. What does hospitality mean or entail?<br />
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14. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid temptations to immorality?<br />
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15. What can you do to show love to a person who is in prison or being mistreated?<br />
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16. What Christian friend or friends can you encourage to continue walking with Christ? How?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-90018486652082384302010-08-03T14:22:00.002+10:002010-08-03T14:23:20.993+10:00What does God say about the environment?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A sampler of Bible texts</span></span> & articles for discussion :<br />
<a href="http://www.earthcareonline.org/bible_texts_sampler.pdf">http://www.earthcareonline.org/bible_texts_sampler.pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1356490/what_the_bible_says_about_the_environment.htm">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1356490/what_the_bible_says_about_the_environment.htm</a>l<br />
<a href="http://howtohelpsavetheenvironment.com/archives/god-and-the-environment">http://howtohelpsavetheenvironment.com/archives/god-and-the-environment</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.storyofstuff.com/">http://www.storyofstuff.com/</a>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-77469765932152912712010-07-20T10:03:00.000+10:002010-07-20T10:03:53.731+10:00Hebrews 12:4-13 Warning Against Refusing God<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 12:4-13 Warning Against Refusing God</b><br />
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1. What do you think was good or bad about the way you were disciplined as a child?<br />
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2. When did you endure difficult or arduous circumstances only because you knew you would later be rewarded?<br />
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3. What measures does the Lord sometimes take toward those who are His "sons"? Why? (12:5-6)<br />
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4. What do we learn about God from the fact that He disciplines us? (12:6-7)<br />
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5. What sobering truth can be inferred by those who never experience the discipline of God? (12:8)<br />
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6. Why does God discipline His children? (12:9-10)<br />
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7. In what sense does discipline have two sides? (12:11)<br />
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8. What are some specific ways God disciplines us?<br />
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9. What state might your life be in if God neglected to discipline you when you went astray?<br />
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10. How has God's discipline made positive changes in your life?<br />
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11. Why should we not lose heart when the Lord rebukes or corrects us?<br />
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12. What step of obedience can you take beginning today to eliminate the need for God to discipline you?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-12840866814238290962010-07-19T09:50:00.001+10:002010-07-19T09:52:42.966+10:00Hebrews 11:23-12.3 Keep Running the Race<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 11:23-12.3 Keep Running the Race</b><br />
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1. What is your favorite sporting event? Why? <br />
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2. What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?<br />
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3. What hard choices did Moses make because of his faith? (11:24-28)<br />
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4. What "secret" enabled Moses to persevere through rough times? (11:27)<br />
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5. What were some of the victories enjoyed by faithful Old Testament believers? (11:32-34)<br />
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6. How does this passage disprove the notion that faith always leads to earthly blessing? (11:35-38)<br />
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7. What happened to a great many Old Testament saints who exercised faith in God? (11:39)<br />
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8. What should motivate followers of Christ to live for Him? (12:1)</span><br />
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9. What should be the focus of those who would live for Christ? (12:2)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
10. What is the benefit of remembering what Christ has done? (12:3)<br />
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11. Why do you think God sometimes leaves us in the dark about His will?<br />
12. How well are you running the Christian race?<br />
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13. Which characters named in this chapter would you most like and least like to trade places with? Why? <br />
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14. With what do you need to trust God even though you can't see what the future holds? How can you show this trust?</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-7810915260831723982010-07-13T09:20:00.002+10:002010-07-13T09:20:55.337+10:00Hebrews 11:1-22 - Keep Believing<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 11:1-22 - Keep Believing </b><br />
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1. When you were a child, what are some ways you showed trust in your parents?<br />
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2. What is faith? (11:1)<br />
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3. What does faith help us to comprehend about the creation of the world? (11:3)<br />
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4. What was unusual about Enoch? (11:5)<br />
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5. What role does faith play in approaching and pleasing God? (11:6)<br />
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6. How did faith affect Abraham's life? (11:8-12)<br />
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7. How does faith change a person's focus and perspective? (11:13-16)<br />
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8. What ultimate test of faith did God put Abraham through? (11:17-19)<br />
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9. What "secret" enabled Moses to persevere through rough times? (11:27)<br />
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10. According to this passage, what is the only way we can please God with our lives?<br />
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11. What prompts committed followers of Christ to continue to exercise faith even when He never seems to "come through" for them?<br />
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12. Why do you think the author said that "the world was not worthy of" the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11?<br />
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13. What is one way you can remind yourself to live as an alien and stranger at work and in your community?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-90035440460299316972010-06-28T09:51:00.000+10:002010-06-28T09:51:48.606+10:00Hebrews 10:19-39 - Don't Shrink Back<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 10:19-39 - Don't Shrink Back</b><br />
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1. When in your life did you "hang in there" the longest in the face of an extremely difficult situation?<br />
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2. Who has encouraged you the most in the last six months?<br />
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3. Why did the author say that those under the new covenant could draw near to God? (10:19-22)<br />
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4. What privilege comes to those who are part of the "house of God"? (10:22)<br />
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5. Why are Christians able to persevere in following Christ? (10:23)<br />
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6. What kind of behavior should believers in Christ exhibit toward one another? (10:24-25)<br />
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7. What will happen to God's enemies? (10:26-27)<br />
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8. Why is rejecting Christ more serious than rejecting the old covenant? (10:28-29)<br />
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9. What did the author consider "a dreadful thing"? (10:31)<br />
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10. How had the Hebrew Christians responded to persecution at first? (10:32-34)<br />
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11. What is promised to those who persevere? (10:35-39)<br />
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12. How does the complete forgiveness and help offered by Christ motivate you to draw near to God?<br />
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13. How do you personally feel about going to church or involvement in Christian groups?<br />
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14. How does the certainty of God's judgment challenge you?<br />
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15. What is behind the ups and downs in your spiritual journey?<br />
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16. What is one small project you could complete today to encourage a Christian friend to persevere in his or her faith?<br />
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17. Since we are called to live by faith (10:38), what is one bold step of trust in God you can take today?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-75153332822614323022010-06-21T09:41:00.000+10:002010-06-21T09:41:37.021+10:00Hebrews 10:1-18 - Jesus: A Better Sacrifice<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 10:1-18 - Jesus: A Better Sacrifice</b><br />
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1. What is one thing you would buy at a very high price if paying that price meant you never had to pay for it again?<br />
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2. In what way was the Law of Moses glaringly inadequate? (10:1-2)<br />
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3. What function did the annual sacrifices serve? Why? (10:3-4)<br />
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4. Why wasn't God pleased with the sacrifices and offerings of the old covenant? (10:5-6)<br />
<br />
5. What was the attitude of Christ when He came into the world? (10:7)<br />
<br />
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6. If God neither desired nor was pleased with old covenant sacrifices, why did the Israelites make them? (10:8)<br />
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7. What role does a believer play in earning God's approval? (10:9-14)<br />
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8. How did the new covenant change the way God motivates His people to live for Him? (10:16)<br />
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9. What effect did the sacrifice of Christ have on the way God views our sins? (10:17)<br />
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10. Why are additional sacrifices for sin unnecessary? (10:18)<br />
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11. What has Christ done for us?<br />
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12. Why do Christians still feel guilt when God says He forgives and forgets their transgressions?<br />
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13. How does being cleansed of sin by Christ change us?<br />
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14. What do you think prompted or motivated Jesus to make the sacrifice He made?<br />
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15. In what sense have we "been made holy" (10:10) while at the same time "are being made holy" (10:14)?<br />
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16. In what specific areas of your life today do you need to follow the example of Christ in saying, "I have come to do your will, O God"?<br />
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17. When could you speak with a friend or relative who would be encouraged by the truths of this passage?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-60885937407572918652010-06-15T09:16:00.000+10:002010-06-15T09:16:41.057+10:00Hebrews 9:1-10 - Jesus: A Better Covenant<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 9:1-10 - Jesus: A Better Covenant</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> 1. If you could show three objects or artifacts that best tell the story of your own spiritual journey, what items would you show? Why?<br />
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2. What aspect of the old and new covenants is compared in this passage? (9:1)<br />
<br />
3. What was in the first room of the earthly tabernacle? (9:2)<br />
<br />
4. What was behind the second curtain in the tabernacle? (9:3)<br />
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5. What was inside in the ark of the covenant? (9:4)<br />
<br />
6. During the year, who typically ministered at the tabernacle, and in which part did this ministry take place? (9:6)<br />
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7. What three severe restrictions were placed upon entrance to the inner room of the temple? (9:7)<br />
<br />
8. For whom was blood offered on the Day of Atonement? (9:7)<br />
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9. What truth was the Holy Spirit teaching through the once-a-year offering for sin under the old covenant? (9:8)<br />
<br />
10. What symbolic truth did the Mosaic tabernacle teach about sin? (9:9-10)<br />
<br />
11. From Hebrews 9:1-5 and the background information in Exodus, what is your impression of the old covenant's "regulations for worship"?<br />
<br />
12. What do you think went through the high priest's mind on the Day of Atonement as he prepared to enter the Holy of Holies?<br />
<br />
13. How can we alter our lives to reflect the fact that God dwells only in holy places?<br />
<br />
14. How does Christ's sacrifice enable us to have a clear conscience?<br />
<br />
15. How can we be sure to approach God as the holy God He is?<br />
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16. What are some practical steps you can take when you feel touched by a guilty conscience?<br />
<br />
17. What do you want to remember the next time you approach God in worship?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-18479675527416468512010-06-07T09:52:00.000+10:002010-06-07T09:52:43.198+10:00Hebrews 8:1-13 - Jesus a Better Covenant<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 8:1-13 - Jesus a Better Covenant</b><br />
<br />
1. What items in your home or office would you consider obsolete? Why?<br />
<br />
2. Where is Christ right now? (8:1)<br />
<br />
3. What is Christ doing presently in heaven? (8:2)<br />
<br />
4. What is the "job description" for a high priest? (8:3)<br />
<br />
5. Why would Jesus not be a priest on earth? (8:4)<br />
<br />
6. What do the terms "copy," "shadow," and "pattern" indicate about the Levitical priesthood? (8:5)<br />
<br />
7. In what ways is the new covenant superior to the old? (8:6)<br />
<br />
8. Why did God decide to initiate a new covenant? (8:7-12<br />
<br />
9. How did God say the new covenant would be different from the old one? (8:10)<br />
<br />
10. What is God's response to sin under the new covenant? (8:12)<br />
<br />
11. What became of the old covenant when the new was introduced? (8:13)<br />
<br />
12. How motivated would you be to love and worship God if you had to depend solely on animal sacrifices offered by a stranger?<br />
<br />
13. What do we learn about God from the fact that He set aside the old covenant in favor of the new?<br />
<br />
14. What three words best describe how you feel knowing that Jesus Christ is in the presence of God representing you before your Creator?<br />
<br />
15. In what ways can you show your thanks to God today for the fact that He remembers your sins no more?<br />
<br />
16. What can you do this week to get to know God better?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-18706852476812340712010-05-31T09:40:00.001+10:002010-05-31T09:51:53.562+10:00Hebrews 7:1-28 Jesus: an Eternal High Priest<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 7:1-28 Jesus: an Eternal High Priest</b><br />
<br />
1. What does your name mean?<br />
<br />
2. If you could have dinner with any three Bible characters, whom would you choose? Why?<br />
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3. Who was Melchizedek? (7:1)<br />
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4. How was Melchizedek associated with Abraham? (7:1)<br />
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5. What is significant about the title, "king of Salem"? (7:2)<br />
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6. What about the Genesis record of Melchizedek's life foreshadowed or anticipated the priesthood of Christ? (7:3)<br />
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7. How do we know that Melchizedek was "great"? (7:4)<br />
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8. Why was it unusual for Melchizedek to receive a tithe from Abraham? (7:6)<br />
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9. How did Levi--the yet-unborn collector of tithes--pay tithes to Melchizedek? (7:9-10)<br />
<br />
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10. Why did a new priest from the order of Melchizedek come along to replace the order of Aaron? (7:11)<br />
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11.What tribe did Jesus Christ come from? (7:13-14) How is this significant?<br />
<br />
12. In what ways is Jesus like Melchizedek?<br />
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13. On what basis did Christ become a priest? (7:15-16)<br />
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14. How is Jesus unique among the priests who represented Israel before God? (7:23-25)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
15. What does it mean to you that Christ, like Melchizedek, is both a great king and priest?<br />
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16. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is praying for you at this very moment?<br />
<br />
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17. What could you say to someone who says, "I don't see what Christ accomplished by dying on the cross"?<br />
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18. What insight from this passage can you meditate upon today to keep you from drifting away from Christ?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-67037825675102544512010-05-24T09:09:00.002+10:002010-05-24T09:09:37.422+10:00Hebrews 6:1-20 No Turning Back<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Hebrews 6:1-20 No Turning Back</b><br />
<br />
1. What gives you a sense of security?<br />
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2. What fundamental or basic doctrines form the foundation of our faith? (6:1-2)<br />
<br />
3. In the end, what enables us to reach spiritual maturity? (6:3)<br />
<br />
4. What are maturing, committed Christians like? (6:7)<br />
<br />
5. What are those who fall away from the faith like? (6:8)<br />
<br />
6. What danger did the author warn against? (6:12)<br />
<br />
7. How did God guarantee His promise to Abraham? (6:13-14) <br />
<br />
8. What do we learn from this passage about God? (6:13, 17-18)<br />
<br />
9. How was Christ able to "enter the inner sanctuary behind the curtain"? (6:19-20)<br />
<br />
10. What did Christ do on our behalf? (6:20)<br />
<br />
11. In what way can a Christian become useless to God?<br />
<br />
12. How does Abraham's patience in waiting for God's promise encourage you?<br />
<br />
13. What can we do to move forward, or become more mature, in our relationship with Christ a little each day?<br />
<br />
14. How does it help us to know that it is impossible for God to lie?<br />
<br />
15. In what way can a Christian become useless to God?<br />
16. How can you rely on the goodness of God's Word for discernment in the decisions you must make?<br />
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17. What promise of God do you need to cling at this time in your life?</div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-64608334420522996872010-05-17T10:30:00.003+10:002010-05-17T13:13:15.511+10:00Hebrews 4:14-5:14 - Jesus the True Priest<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 4:14-5:14 - Jesus the True Priest</b><br />
<br />
1. Who do you often turn to when you feel discouraged? Why?<br />
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2. To what important spiritual leader did the author of Hebrews compare Jesus? (4:14)<br />
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3. In what way is Jesus the ultimate high priest? (4:15)<br />
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4. How does Christ respond to those who approach Him in faith? (4:15-16) Why?<br />
<br />
5. What is the role and primary duty of a high priest? (5:1)<br />
<br />
6. What makes a good high priest sympathetic to those he represents? (5:2)<br />
<br />
7. Who chose Israel's high priests? (5:4)<br />
<br />
8. How is Jesus like Melchizedek? (5:6) (see also Genesis 14 & Psalm 110)<br />
<br />
9. In what priestly activities did Jesus engage while on earth? (5:7)<br />
<br />
10. Who is described in this passage as the "source of eternal salvation"? (5:9)<br />
<br />
11. How does it encourage you to have Jesus as your high priest?<br />
<br />
12. What is the difference between sinning and being tempted?<br />
<br />
13. How did suffering to the point of death give Jesus insights into obedience?<br />
<br />
14. Why do you think suffering was part of God's will for Jesus as our high priest?<br />
<br />
15. What does it mean for us to approach God?<br />
<br />
16. What does it mean to you that Jesus has gone through the problems and temptations you face?<br />
<br />
17. For what specific area of your life do you need to approach Jesus and ask for mercy and grace?<br />
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18. What steps do you need to take this week to follow the obedient example of Jesus, who did God's will even when it resulted in personal suffering?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-5288964579485452162010-05-10T09:25:00.000+10:002010-05-10T09:25:33.844+10:00Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God</b><br />
<br />
1. What situations or circumstances tend to make you feel restless?<br />
<br />
2. What important promise is the subject of this passage? (4:1)<br />
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3. How do we know that not everyone will experience God's rest (that is, His salvation)? (4:1-2)<br />
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4. Why didn't the Israelites of the Exodus enter God's rest? (4:2)<br />
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5. What must a person do to experience God's rest? (4:3)<br />
<br />
6. How long has God been giving us a chance to enter His rest? (4:4)<br />
<br />
7. Why did some who heard the promise of rest fail to enjoy that promise? (4:6)<br />
<br />
8. What rest awaited God's people after Joshua and the Israelites had conquered Canaan? (4:8-9)<br />
<br />
9. Entering God's rest has what effect on our work? (4:10)<br />
<br />
10. How should we seek to learn from the Israelites' negative example? (4:11)<br />
<br />
11. What is unique about God? (4:13)<br />
<br />
12. What does it mean to enter God's rest?<br />
<br />
13. How is enjoying God's salvation a reality in your life?<br />
<br />
14. What prevents you from enjoying God's rest (or salvation)?<br />
<br />
15. How does the fact that God sees and knows everything about you (actions, words, thoughts, motives, feelings, and attitudes) motivate you to live a holy life?<br />
<br />
16. What has the Word of God revealed about your own thoughts and attitudes of the heart?<br />
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17. What one area of your life do you need to turn over to God today?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-39022056612851262632010-05-03T09:34:00.000+10:002010-05-03T09:34:59.397+10:00Hebrews 3:1-19 - Jesus Greater Than Moses<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 3:1-19 - Jesus Greater Than Moses</b><br />
<br />
1. Who are (or were) some of the heroes of your generation?<br />
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2. What blessing is promised to those who know Christ? (3:1)<br />
<br />
3. Who is Jesus? (3:1-2)<br />
<br />
4. In what ways are Moses and Jesus similar? (3:2, 5-6)<br />
<br />
5. Why is Jesus worthy of more honor than Moses? (3:3-6)<br />
<br />
6. How do we demonstrate that we are members of God's household? (3:6)<br />
<br />
7. What qualities are necessary for us to be faithful children of God? (3:6)<br />
<br />
8. What warning (first issued by the psalmist) is repeated here by the author of Hebrews? (3:7-8)<br />
<br />
<br />
9. What were the consequences of the Israelites' stubborn disobedience? (3:11)<br />
<br />
10. How ought our identity affect the way we live in our daily lives?<br />
<br />
11. In light of the disobedience of the Israelites of the Exodus, what command was given to the Jewish Christians of the first century? (3:12)<br />
<br />
12. Why is it important for us to fix our thoughts on Jesus, our apostle and high priest?<br />
<br />
13. What is the connection between sin and unbelief? (3:12-13)<br />
<br />
14. What happened to the generation of Israelites who rebelled against God in the wilderness? (3:17-18)<br />
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15. In what ways is Christ greater than our greatest spiritual leaders and mentors?<br />
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16. What does it mean to harden one's heart?<br />
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17. What is one concrete way you can give to Jesus the honor that He deserves today?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-35754468016296507032010-04-27T09:32:00.000+10:002010-04-27T09:32:22.293+10:00Hebrews 2:5-18 - Jesus: Truly Human<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews 2:5-18 - Jesus: Truly Human</b><br />
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1. What is the most helpful act a brother or sister has ever done for you?<br />
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2. What is our God-given place on earth? (2:6-8)<br />
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3. What is Christ's present heavenly status? (2:9)<br />
<br />
4. What was unique about the death that Christ suffered? (2:9)<br />
<br />
5. What is God's ultimate goal for us? (2:10)<br />
<br />
6. What does Christ do to qualify a person for membership in the family of God? (2:11)<br />
<br />
7. What is the relationship between Christ and those who experience the salvation He gives? (2:11-12)<br />
<br />
8. What effect did the death of Christ have on Satan and his power? (2:14)<br />
<br />
9. In what ways is Christ like us? (2:14, 17)<br />
<br />
10. In what ways are we "a little lower than the angels"?<br />
<br />
11. What is the significance of the fact that no trial or temptation can come upon you that Christ does not perfectly understand?<br />
<br />
12. What counsel would you give to a Christian friend who was terrified of death?<br />
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13. What areas of your life do you need to entrust to your understanding, merciful, and powerful high priest/big brother?<br />
<br />
14. Knowing that Christ understands your temptations, how can you respond differently today to the difficulties you face?<br />
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15. What Christian friend(s) can you encourage today with the message that Christ is our sympathetic high priest? How?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-73928097328996383992010-04-19T09:30:00.000+10:002010-04-19T09:30:40.063+10:00Hebrews 1:5:2:4 Jesus GreaterThan Angels<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 1:5:2:4 Jesus GreaterThan Angels<br />
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1. How do you think you might react if you saw an angel?<br />
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2. How is Jesus distinguished from God? (1:5)<br />
<br />
3. What is the relationship of Jesus and the angels? (1:6)<br />
<br />
4. What are angels like? (1:7)<br />
<br />
5. What name or title applies to Jesus, the Son? (1:8)<br />
<br />
6. What is Jesus' nature? (1:10-12)<br />
<br />
7. What will happen to the enemies of Christ? (1:12)<br />
<br />
8. What do angels do? (1:14)<br />
<br />
9. What danger awaits Christians who carelessly forget the truth? (2:1)<br />
<br />
10. Who confirmed the salvation that Jesus announced? How? (2:3-4)<br />
<br />
11. What are some ways we can honor Christ?<br />
<br />
12. What difference does it make to you that Jesus sustains everything by His powerful word?<br />
<br />
13. When, if ever, have you sensed that angels were ministering to you or watching over you?<br />
<br />
14. What in your life tempts you to back away from your commitment to Christ?<br />
<br />
15. In what ways can you honor the Son of God as God in your worship this week?<br />
<br />
16. Who can you tell today about the unique person of Jesus Christ?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-31379915982737049482010-04-12T15:41:00.004+10:002010-04-12T16:00:38.279+10:00Online Bible Study Resources - Hebrews<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Small Group Bible Studies in Hebrews</b> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.journeychurchonline.org/adobe/Hebrews.pdf">http://www.journeychurchonline.org/adobe/Hebrews.pdf</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://bereanbiblestudygroup.com/hebrews/">http://bereanbiblestudygroup.com/hebrews/</a></div><a href="http://www.andrewcorbett.net/commentaries/hebrews/hebrews-study.pdf"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://www.andrewcorbett.net/commentaries/hebrews/hebrews-study.pdf</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://executableoutlines.com/he.htm">http://executableoutlines.com/he.htm </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://bible.org/series/near-heart-god-study-book-hebrews">http://bible.org/series/near-heart-god-study-book-hebrews </a></span>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-89468891817984114832010-04-12T09:27:00.004+10:002010-04-13T09:28:01.334+10:00Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus: Son of God<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 1:1-4 - Jesus-The Son of God<br />
<br />
1. What are some restaurants, holiday spots, books, movies, or other areas of interest that you consider the best of their kind?<br />
<br />
2. How did God speak to people in the past? (1:1)<br />
<br />
3. What was God's means for speaking to mankind in "these last days"? (1:2)<br />
<br />
4. What unique honors or activities did God the Father delegate to Jesus? (1:2)<br />
<br />
5. What works did Jesus do that only God could do? (1:2-3, 10)<br />
<br />
6. Who is Jesus? (1:2-4)<br />
<br />
7. What does Jesus show us about the nature of God? (1:3)<br />
<br />
8. What astonishing feat is attributed to the Word of Christ? (1:3)<br />
<br />
9. What was Jesus' primary ministry on earth? (1:3)<br />
<br />
10. What difference does it make to you that Jesus is "heir of all things" and that the Father made the universe through Him?<br />
<br />
11. Why do you think the author of Hebrews made such a point of Christ's deity to these Hebrew Christians?<br />
<br />
12. What impact would you suspect these words had on Jewish Christians who were considering returning to Judaism?<br />
<br />
13. What steps can you take to remind yourself that Jesus is the Son of God and worth following?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-89427168408379197182010-03-30T14:18:00.000+11:002010-03-30T14:18:50.421+11:00Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples</span></b><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 1. When have you ever been really surprised?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 2. How did Jesus approach the disciples? (24:36)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 3. How did Jesus try to calm and reassure the disciples? (24:38-39)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 4. How did the disciples react to the evidence and convincing words of Jesus? (24:41)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 5. What emotions did the disciples display? (24:41)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 6. When did the disciples finally understand the Scriptures? (24:44-45)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 7. What did Jesus explain would be the result of His resurrection? (24:47)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 8. What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples? (24:48)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 9. What was the "power from on high" to which Jesus referred? (24:48)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 10. Why did Jesus consider it important to teach the disciples from the Old Testament?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 11. What does this passage teach us about God's role in our understanding of the gospel?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 12. What causes us to disbelieve the Scriptures?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 13. What proof did you need to be convinced of the truth of the gospel?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 14. What responsibility do we have to share our faith with others?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 15. How can you become a more regular student of the Scriptures?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 16. What could you do this week to settle the doubts about salvation that your non-Christian friends have?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /></span>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-16888336620433039442010-03-30T14:15:00.001+11:002010-03-30T14:15:58.744+11:00Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection</span></b><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 1. When was a time you told a true story that other people found hard to believe?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 2. What did the women find once they arrived at the tomb? (24:2)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 3. What happened while the women were wondering what had happened to Jesus' body? (24:4)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 4. How did the women respond to the angels? (24:5)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 5. What did the angels tell the women about Jesus? (24:5-7)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 6. What did the women do after the men had told them that Jesus had risen from the dead as He had predicted? (24:9)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 7. Why did the apostles not believe the women? (24:11)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 8. How did Peter respond to the sight of the empty tomb? (24:12)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 9. Why is Jesus' resurrection central to the Christian faith?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 10. Why did the disciples express disbelief even though Jesus had told them clearly that He would rise from the dead?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 11. What does this passage teach us about witnessing and evangelism?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 12. How does this story encourage you to share your faith with others?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 13. What should you do if others reject you or your testimony when you share your faith?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 14. How can you reaffirm your faith in God's promises this week?</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 15. How can you prepare yourself for your next encounter with someone who criticizes you or does not accept your testimony?</span></span>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581925496457768184.post-1976382050190529442010-03-22T10:13:00.001+11:002010-03-22T10:18:45.445+11:00Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion</b><br />
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1. When have you had to endure teasing or abuse?<br />
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2. Why did the soldiers seize Simon of Cyrene? (23:26)<br />
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3. Why did such a large crowd gather? (23:27)<br />
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4. How did Jesus treat the women mourning for Him? (23:28-31)<br />
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5. What did Jesus mean when He said, "If men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (23:31)<br />
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6. What do Jesus' words on the cross reveal about His character? (23:34)<br />
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7. How was Jesus treated by others while He was hanging on the cross? (23:35-39)<br />
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8. What did the first criminal demand of Jesus? (23:39)<br />
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9. What request did the second criminal on the cross make of Jesus? (23:42)<br />
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10. How did Jesus respond to the criminal's plea? (23:43)<br />
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11. What can you learn from the actions of the repentant criminal?<br />
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12. What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?<br />
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13. In what way are we all like the criminals on the cross?<br />
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14. What do we need to approach Jesus for?<br />
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15. What does this passage teach you about forgiveness?<br />
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16. Why did Jesus choose not to save Himself from His suffering on the cross?<br />
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17. Could you say thank you to Jesus this week for His gift of salvation?<br />
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18. How can you place a new area of your life in Christ's hands?<br />
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</span></div>Don Stotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09742468566555381911noreply@blogger.com0