SmallGroups

1 Peter 1:1-12 - Praise to God for a Living Hope

2010-09-06T09:19:00.000+10:00

1 Peter 1:1-12 - Praise to God for a Living Hope

     1. Complete this sentence any way you'd like: I hope that . . .

     2. To whom did Peter address his letter? (1:1)

     3. How had Peter's readers been chosen? (1:2)

     4. What had God given Peter and his readers? (1:3)

     5. By what are believers shielded? For how long? (1:5)

     6. What did Peter tell his readers they may have to suffer? (1:6)

     7. Why had trials come to Peter's audience? (1:7)

     8. What benefit is there in suffering? (1:7)

     9. What did Peter say was the goal of their faith? (1:9)

     10. What did the Spirit of Christ predict? (1:11)

     11. What did the angels long to do? (1:12)

     12. When did God give you new birth?

     13. What trials are you or have you suffered recently?

     14. How have the trials you've been through strengthened and refined your faith?

     15. What is the goal of your faith?

     16. How do you need to adjust your attitude about the trials in your life?

     17. What can you do this week to welcome the present trials in your life?

     18. How will you rejoice in your salvation today?

Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion

2010-09-06T09:14:00.000+10:00

Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion

     1. When you hear the word "authority," who first comes to mind?

     2. In what town did Jesus heal the centurion's servant? (7:1-2)

     3. Whom did the centurion send to present his request to Jesus? (7:3)

     4. What different character qualities were demonstrated by the centurion? (7:3-8)

     5. What message did the centurion send when he discovered Jesus was actually coming to his house? (7:6-8)

     6. How did the centurion understand the concept of authority? (7:6-8)

     7. How did Jesus react to the centurion's words? (7:9)

     8. To whom did Jesus remark on the uniqueness of the centurion's faith? (7:9)

     9. What happened to the centurion's servant? (7:10)

     10. What characteristics of the centurion's attitude and request would be helpful to remember when we ask God for help?

     11. Why is it difficult for us to be as dependent on God as the centurion was?

     12. Why is it important to be encouraged about the quality of our faith, even as Jesus affirmed the faith of the centurion?

     13. What are some of the ways in which Jesus is Lord of your life?

     14. How could you affirm the faith of someone who has been an example to you?

     15. How can you strengthen your friendships with other Christians this week?

Luke 15:1-7

2010-09-06T09:07:00.000+10:00

Luke 15:1-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep

     1. As a child, when was a time you got lost from your family or a group?

     2. What were the Pharisees and teachers of the law doing? (15:2)

     3. What does a conscientious shepherd do when one of the flock is lost? (15:4)

     4. What happens when a shepherd returns to his home and flock after finding a lost sheep? (15:6)

     5. How does heaven react when a sinner repents? (15:7)

     6. What kind of people do not need to repent? (15:7)

     7. Why did the religious leaders miss the point of what Jesus' ministry was about?

     8. Why did Jesus choose a parable about sheep to make His point?

     9. In what ways do we go astray?

     10. How does the picture of "rejoicing in heaven" over repentance make you feel?

     11. In what situations are you most tempted to stray from God?

     12. What can you do this week to help a fellow believer who may be straying from God's ways?

     13. What practical step can you take to avoid tempting situations?

Seven steps that bring a small group to a healthy end

2010-09-01T12:08:00.001+10:00

1. During the last meeting,talk about your experience as a group and what the group meant to you. Use affirmation questions to get the conversation flowing:

If you could give a gift to anyone in the room,what would you give and to whom?
Pick someone in the room and name a characteristic they have that you are most thankful for.

This ends the group on a positive note and helps members leave with good feelings about their small group experience.

2. Fill out a written evaluation or survey, 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?

3. Plan to keep in touch in the future. (Set up a fellowship time once a month after your last meeting, just to see how everyone is doing.)

4. After the group closes, have the leader(s) and host or hostess write a note of appreciation and encouragement to each member.

5. Be sure your church's co-ordinator of groups has a complete list of all the participants for future reference.

6. Make sure that the group leader lets everyone know about alternative small group opportunities. This way interested people can get involved in new groups.

7. At the final meeting the leader should exhort members to continue to pray for each other. The leader can also encourage them to continue getting together- as prayer partners, for example.

Contributed by Judy Hamlin, Prestonwood Baptist Church, 15720 Hillcrest, Dallas, TX 75248

Hebrews 13:1-25 - Keep on Loving

2010-08-03T14:34:00.001+10:00

Hebrews 13:1-25 - Keep on Loving

     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?

     2. What is one change you'd like to make but don't think you can right now?

     3. What kind of love are Christians to demonstrate? (13:1)

     4. What kinds of people does God want Christians to try to help? (13:3)

     5. Why is sexual purity important? (13:4)

     6. What attitude toward money ought Christians to have? Why? (13:5)

     7. How can we learn to be content? (13:5)

     8. How should Christians view their spiritual leaders? (13:7, 17)

     9. What kind of sacrifices should we offer to God? (13:15-16)

     10. What did the writer pray would happen to his readers? (13:20-21)

     11. Why do you think is it so difficult to be content?

     12. How can we draw contentment from God's unchanging nature?

     13. What does hospitality mean or entail?

     14. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid temptations to immorality?

     15. What can you do to show love to a person who is in prison or being mistreated?

     16. What Christian friend or friends can you encourage to continue walking with Christ? How?

What does God say about the environment?

2010-08-03T14:22:00.002+10:00

A sampler of Bible texts & articles for discussion :
http://www.earthcareonline.org/bible_texts_sampler.pdf
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1356490/what_the_bible_says_about_the_environment.html
http://howtohelpsavetheenvironment.com/archives/god-and-the-environment
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Hebrews 12:4-13 Warning Against Refusing God

2010-07-20T10:03:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 12:4-13 Warning Against Refusing God

     1. What do you think was good or bad about the way you were disciplined as a child?

     2. When did you endure difficult or arduous circumstances only because you knew you would later be rewarded?

     3. What measures does the Lord sometimes take toward those who are His "sons"? Why? (12:5-6)

     4. What do we learn about God from the fact that He disciplines us? (12:6-7)

     5. What sobering truth can be inferred by those who never experience the discipline of God? (12:8)

     6. Why does God discipline His children? (12:9-10)

     7. In what sense does discipline have two sides? (12:11)

     8. What are some specific ways God disciplines us?

     9. What state might your life be in if God neglected to discipline you when you went astray?

     10. How has God's discipline made positive changes in your life?

     11. Why should we not lose heart when the Lord rebukes or corrects us?

     12. What step of obedience can you take beginning today to eliminate the need for God to discipline you?

Hebrews 11:23-12.3 Keep Running the Race

2010-07-19T09:50:00.001+10:00

Hebrews 11:23-12.3 Keep Running the Race

     1. What is your favorite sporting event? Why?

     2. What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?

     3. What hard choices did Moses make because of his faith? (11:24-28)

     4. What "secret" enabled Moses to persevere through rough times? (11:27)

     5. What were some of the victories enjoyed by faithful Old Testament believers? (11:32-34)

     6. How does this passage disprove the notion that faith always leads to earthly blessing? (11:35-38)

     7. What happened to a great many Old Testament saints who exercised faith in God? (11:39)

     8. What should motivate followers of Christ to live for Him? (12:1)

   9. What should be the focus of those who would live for Christ? (12:2)

   10. What is the benefit of remembering what Christ has done? (12:3)

     11. Why do you think God sometimes leaves us in the dark about His will?
     12. How well are you running the Christian race?

     13. Which characters named in this chapter would you most like and least like to trade places with? Why?

     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?

Hebrews 11:1-22 - Keep Believing

2010-07-13T09:20:00.002+10:00

Hebrews 11:1-22 - Keep Believing

     1. When you were a child, what are some ways you showed trust in your parents?

     2. What is faith? (11:1)

     3. What does faith help us to comprehend about the creation of the world? (11:3)

     4. What was unusual about Enoch? (11:5)

     5. What role does faith play in approaching and pleasing God? (11:6)

     6. How did faith affect Abraham's life? (11:8-12)

     7. How does faith change a person's focus and perspective? (11:13-16)

     8. What ultimate test of faith did God put Abraham through? (11:17-19)

     9. What "secret" enabled Moses to persevere through rough times? (11:27)

     10. According to this passage, what is the only way we can please God with our lives?

     11. What prompts committed followers of Christ to continue to exercise faith even when He never seems to "come through" for them?

     12. Why do you think the author said that "the world was not worthy of" the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11?

     13. What is one way you can remind yourself to live as an alien and stranger at work and in your community?

Hebrews 10:19-39 - Don't Shrink Back

2010-06-28T09:51:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 10:19-39 - Don't Shrink Back

     1. When in your life did you "hang in there" the longest in the face of an extremely difficult situation?

     2. Who has encouraged you the most in the last six months?

     3. Why did the author say that those under the new covenant could draw near to God? (10:19-22)

     4. What privilege comes to those who are part of the "house of God"? (10:22)

     5. Why are Christians able to persevere in following Christ? (10:23)

     6. What kind of behavior should believers in Christ exhibit toward one another? (10:24-25)

     7. What will happen to God's enemies? (10:26-27)

     8. Why is rejecting Christ more serious than rejecting the old covenant? (10:28-29)

     9. What did the author consider "a dreadful thing"? (10:31)

     10. How had the Hebrew Christians responded to persecution at first? (10:32-34)

     11. What is promised to those who persevere? (10:35-39)

     12. How does the complete forgiveness and help offered by Christ motivate you to draw near to God?

     13. How do you personally feel about going to church or involvement in Christian groups?

     14. How does the certainty of God's judgment challenge you?

     15. What is behind the ups and downs in your spiritual journey?

     16. What is one small project you could complete today to encourage a Christian friend to persevere in his or her faith?

     17. Since we are called to live by faith (10:38), what is one bold step of trust in God you can take today?

Hebrews 10:1-18 - Jesus: A Better Sacrifice

2010-06-21T09:41:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 10:1-18 - Jesus: A Better Sacrifice

     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?

     2. In what way was the Law of Moses glaringly inadequate? (10:1-2)

     3. What function did the annual sacrifices serve? Why? (10:3-4)

     4. Why wasn't God pleased with the sacrifices and offerings of the old covenant? (10:5-6)

     5. What was the attitude of Christ when He came into the world? (10:7)


     6. If God neither desired nor was pleased with old covenant sacrifices, why did the Israelites make them? (10:8)

     7. What role does a believer play in earning God's approval? (10:9-14)

     8. How did the new covenant change the way God motivates His people to live for Him? (10:16)

     9. What effect did the sacrifice of Christ have on the way God views our sins? (10:17)

     10. Why are additional sacrifices for sin unnecessary? (10:18)

     11. What has Christ done for us?

     12. Why do Christians still feel guilt when God says He forgives and forgets their transgressions?

     13. How does being cleansed of sin by Christ change us?

     14. What do you think prompted or motivated Jesus to make the sacrifice He made?

     15. In what sense have we "been made holy" (10:10) while at the same time "are being made holy" (10:14)?

     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"?

     17. When could you speak with a friend or relative who would be encouraged by the truths of this passage?

Hebrews 9:1-10 - Jesus: A Better Covenant

2010-06-15T09:16:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 9:1-10 - Jesus: A Better Covenant
     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?

     2. What aspect of the old and new covenants is compared in this passage? (9:1)

     3. What was in the first room of the earthly tabernacle? (9:2)

     4. What was behind the second curtain in the tabernacle? (9:3)

     5. What was inside in the ark of the covenant? (9:4)

     6. During the year, who typically ministered at the tabernacle, and in which part did this ministry take place? (9:6)

     7. What three severe restrictions were placed upon entrance to the inner room of the temple? (9:7)

     8. For whom was blood offered on the Day of Atonement? (9:7)

     9. What truth was the Holy Spirit teaching through the once-a-year offering for sin under the old covenant? (9:8)

     10. What symbolic truth did the Mosaic tabernacle teach about sin? (9:9-10)

     11. From Hebrews 9:1-5 and the background information in Exodus, what is your impression of the old covenant's "regulations for worship"?

     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?

     13. How can we alter our lives to reflect the fact that God dwells only in holy places?

     14. How does Christ's sacrifice enable us to have a clear conscience?

     15. How can we be sure to approach God as the holy God He is?

     16. What are some practical steps you can take when you feel touched by a guilty conscience?

     17. What do you want to remember the next time you approach God in worship?

Hebrews 8:1-13 - Jesus a Better Covenant

2010-06-07T09:52:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 8:1-13 - Jesus a Better Covenant

     1. What items in your home or office would you consider obsolete? Why?

     2. Where is Christ right now? (8:1)

     3. What is Christ doing presently in heaven? (8:2)

     4. What is the "job description" for a high priest? (8:3)

     5. Why would Jesus not be a priest on earth? (8:4)

     6. What do the terms "copy," "shadow," and "pattern" indicate about the Levitical priesthood? (8:5)

     7. In what ways is the new covenant superior to the old? (8:6)

     8. Why did God decide to initiate a new covenant? (8:7-12

     9. How did God say the new covenant would be different from the old one? (8:10)

     10. What is God's response to sin under the new covenant? (8:12)

     11. What became of the old covenant when the new was introduced? (8:13)

     12. How motivated would you be to love and worship God if you had to depend solely on animal sacrifices offered by a stranger?

     13. What do we learn about God from the fact that He set aside the old covenant in favor of the new?

     14. What three words best describe how you feel knowing that Jesus Christ is in the presence of God representing you before your Creator?

     15. In what ways can you show your thanks to God today for the fact that He remembers your sins no more?

     16. What can you do this week to get to know God better?

Hebrews 7:1-28 Jesus: an Eternal High Priest

2010-05-31T09:40:00.001+10:00

Hebrews 7:1-28 Jesus: an Eternal High Priest

     1. What does your name mean?

     2. If you could have dinner with any three Bible characters, whom would you choose? Why?

     3. Who was Melchizedek? (7:1)

     4. How was Melchizedek associated with Abraham? (7:1)

     5. What is significant about the title, "king of Salem"? (7:2)

     6. What about the Genesis record of Melchizedek's life foreshadowed or anticipated the priesthood of Christ? (7:3)

     7. How do we know that Melchizedek was "great"? (7:4)

     8. Why was it unusual for Melchizedek to receive a tithe from Abraham? (7:6)

     9. How did Levi--the yet-unborn collector of tithes--pay tithes to Melchizedek? (7:9-10)

     10. Why did a new priest from the order of Melchizedek come along to replace the order of Aaron? (7:11)

     11.What tribe did Jesus Christ come from? (7:13-14) How is this significant?

     12. In what ways is Jesus like Melchizedek?

     13. On what basis did Christ become a priest? (7:15-16)

     14. How is Jesus unique among the priests who represented Israel before God? (7:23-25)

     15. What does it mean to you that Christ, like Melchizedek, is both a great king and priest?

     16. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is praying for you at this very moment?

     17. What could you say to someone who says, "I don't see what Christ accomplished by dying on the cross"?

     18. What insight from this passage can you meditate upon today to keep you from drifting away from Christ?

Hebrews 6:1-20 No Turning Back

2010-05-24T09:09:00.002+10:00

Hebrews 6:1-20 No Turning Back

     1. What gives you a sense of security?

     2. What fundamental or basic doctrines form the foundation of our faith? (6:1-2)

     3. In the end, what enables us to reach spiritual maturity? (6:3)

     4. What are maturing, committed Christians like? (6:7)

     5. What are those who fall away from the faith like? (6:8)

     6. What danger did the author warn against? (6:12)

     7. How did God guarantee His promise to Abraham? (6:13-14)

     8. What do we learn from this passage about God? (6:13, 17-18)

     9. How was Christ able to "enter the inner sanctuary behind the curtain"? (6:19-20)

    10. What did Christ do on our behalf? (6:20)

     11. In what way can a Christian become useless to God?

     12. How does Abraham's patience in waiting for God's promise encourage you?

     13. What can we do to move forward, or become more mature, in our relationship with Christ a little each day?

     14. How does it help us to know that it is impossible for God to lie?

     15. In what way can a Christian become useless to God?
     16. How can you rely on the goodness of God's Word for discernment in the decisions you must make?

     17. What promise of God do you need to cling at this time in your life?

Hebrews 4:14-5:14 - Jesus the True Priest

2010-05-17T10:30:00.003+10:00

Hebrews 4:14-5:14 - Jesus the True Priest

     1. Who do you often turn to when you feel discouraged? Why?

     2. To what important spiritual leader did the author of Hebrews compare Jesus? (4:14)

     3. In what way is Jesus the ultimate high priest? (4:15)

     4. How does Christ respond to those who approach Him in faith? (4:15-16) Why?

     5. What is the role and primary duty of a high priest? (5:1)

     6. What makes a good high priest sympathetic to those he represents? (5:2)

     7. Who chose Israel's high priests? (5:4)

     8. How is Jesus like Melchizedek? (5:6) (see also Genesis 14 & Psalm 110)

     9. In what priestly activities did Jesus engage while on earth? (5:7)

     10. Who is described in this passage as the "source of eternal salvation"? (5:9)

     11. How does it encourage you to have Jesus as your high priest?

     12. What is the difference between sinning and being tempted?

     13. How did suffering to the point of death give Jesus insights into obedience?

     14. Why do you think suffering was part of God's will for Jesus as our high priest?

     15. What does it mean for us to approach God?

     16. What does it mean to you that Jesus has gone through the problems and temptations you face?

     17. For what specific area of your life do you need to approach Jesus and ask for mercy and grace?

     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?

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

2010-05-10T09:25:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

     1. What situations or circumstances tend to make you feel restless?

     2. What important promise is the subject of this passage? (4:1)

     3. How do we know that not everyone will experience God's rest (that is, His salvation)? (4:1-2)

     4. Why didn't the Israelites of the Exodus enter God's rest? (4:2)

     5. What must a person do to experience God's rest? (4:3)

     6. How long has God been giving us a chance to enter His rest? (4:4)

     7. Why did some who heard the promise of rest fail to enjoy that promise? (4:6)

     8. What rest awaited God's people after Joshua and the Israelites had conquered Canaan? (4:8-9)

     9. Entering God's rest has what effect on our work? (4:10)

     10. How should we seek to learn from the Israelites' negative example? (4:11)

     11. What is unique about God? (4:13)

     12. What does it mean to enter God's rest?

     13. How is enjoying God's salvation a reality in your life?

     14. What prevents you from enjoying God's rest (or salvation)?

     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?

     16. What has the Word of God revealed about your own thoughts and attitudes of the heart?

     17. What one area of your life do you need to turn over to God today?

Hebrews 3:1-19 - Jesus Greater Than Moses

2010-05-03T09:34:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 3:1-19 - Jesus Greater Than Moses

     1. Who are (or were) some of the heroes of your generation?

     2. What blessing is promised to those who know Christ? (3:1)

     3. Who is Jesus? (3:1-2)

     4. In what ways are Moses and Jesus similar? (3:2, 5-6)

    5. Why is Jesus worthy of more honor than Moses? (3:3-6)

    6. How do we demonstrate that we are members of God's household? (3:6)

     7. What qualities are necessary for us to be faithful children of God? (3:6)

    8. What warning (first issued by the psalmist) is repeated here by the author of Hebrews? (3:7-8)

   9. What were the consequences of the Israelites' stubborn disobedience? (3:11)

     10. How ought our identity affect the way we live in our daily lives?

     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)

     12. Why is it important for us to fix our thoughts on Jesus, our apostle and high priest?

     13. What is the connection between sin and unbelief? (3:12-13)

     14. What happened to the generation of Israelites who rebelled against God in the wilderness? (3:17-18)

     15. In what ways is Christ greater than our greatest spiritual leaders and mentors?

     16. What does it mean to harden one's heart?

     17. What is one concrete way you can give to Jesus the honor that He deserves today?

Hebrews 2:5-18 - Jesus: Truly Human

2010-04-27T09:32:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 2:5-18 - Jesus: Truly Human

     1. What is the most helpful act a brother or sister has ever done for you?

     2. What is our God-given place on earth? (2:6-8)

     3. What is Christ's present heavenly status? (2:9)

     4. What was unique about the death that Christ suffered? (2:9)

     5. What is God's ultimate goal for us? (2:10)

     6. What does Christ do to qualify a person for membership in the family of God? (2:11)

     7. What is the relationship between Christ and those who experience the salvation He gives? (2:11-12)

     8. What effect did the death of Christ have on Satan and his power? (2:14)

     9. In what ways is Christ like us? (2:14, 17)

     10. In what ways are we "a little lower than the angels"?

     11. What is the significance of the fact that no trial or temptation can come upon you that Christ does not perfectly understand?

     12. What counsel would you give to a Christian friend who was terrified of death?

     13. What areas of your life do you need to entrust to your understanding, merciful, and powerful high priest/big brother?

     14. Knowing that Christ understands your temptations, how can you respond differently today to the difficulties you face?

     15. What Christian friend(s) can you encourage today with the message that Christ is our sympathetic high priest? How?

Hebrews 1:5:2:4 Jesus GreaterThan Angels

2010-04-19T09:30:00.000+10:00

Hebrews 1:5:2:4 Jesus GreaterThan Angels

     1. How do you think you might react if you saw an angel?

     2. How is Jesus distinguished from God? (1:5)

     3. What is the relationship of Jesus and the angels? (1:6)

     4. What are angels like? (1:7)

     5. What name or title applies to Jesus, the Son? (1:8)

     6. What is Jesus' nature? (1:10-12)

     7. What will happen to the enemies of Christ? (1:12)

     8. What do angels do? (1:14)

     9. What danger awaits Christians who carelessly forget the truth? (2:1)

     10. Who confirmed the salvation that Jesus announced? How? (2:3-4)

     11. What are some ways we can honor Christ?

     12. What difference does it make to you that Jesus sustains everything by His powerful word?

     13. When, if ever, have you sensed that angels were ministering to you or watching over you?

     14. What in your life tempts you to back away from your commitment to Christ?

     15. In what ways can you honor the Son of God as God in your worship this week?

     16. Who can you tell today about the unique person of Jesus Christ?

Online Bible Study Resources - Hebrews

2010-04-12T15:41:00.004+10:00

Small Group Bible Studies in Hebrews

http://www.journeychurchonline.org/adobe/Hebrews.pdf

http://bereanbiblestudygroup.com/hebrews/

http://www.andrewcorbett.net/commentaries/hebrews/hebrews-study.pdf
http://executableoutlines.com/he.htm
http://bible.org/series/near-heart-god-study-book-hebrews

Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus: Son of God

2010-04-12T09:27:00.004+10:00

Hebrews 1:1-4 - Jesus-The Son of God

     1. What are some restaurants, holiday spots, books, movies, or other areas of interest that you consider the best of their kind?

     2. How did God speak to people in the past? (1:1)

     3. What was God's means for speaking to mankind in "these last days"? (1:2)

     4. What unique honors or activities did God the Father delegate to Jesus? (1:2)

     5. What works did Jesus do that only God could do? (1:2-3, 10)

     6. Who is Jesus? (1:2-4)

     7. What does Jesus show us about the nature of God? (1:3)

     8. What astonishing feat is attributed to the Word of Christ? (1:3)

     9. What was Jesus' primary ministry on earth? (1:3)

     10. What difference does it make to you that Jesus is "heir of all things" and that the Father made the universe through Him?

     11. Why do you think the author of Hebrews made such a point of Christ's deity to these Hebrew Christians?

     12. What impact would you suspect these words had on Jewish Christians who were considering returning to Judaism?

     13. What steps can you take to remind yourself that Jesus is the Son of God and worth following?

Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples

2010-03-30T14:18:00.000+11:00

    Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples

     1. When have you ever been really surprised?

     2. How did Jesus approach the disciples? (24:36)

     3. How did Jesus try to calm and reassure the disciples? (24:38-39)

     4. How did the disciples react to the evidence and convincing words of Jesus? (24:41)

     5. What emotions did the disciples display? (24:41)

     6. When did the disciples finally understand the Scriptures? (24:44-45)

     7. What did Jesus explain would be the result of His resurrection? (24:47)

     8. What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples? (24:48)

     9. What was the "power from on high" to which Jesus referred? (24:48)

     10. Why did Jesus consider it important to teach the disciples from the Old Testament?

     11. What does this passage teach us about God's role in our understanding of the gospel?

     12. What causes us to disbelieve the Scriptures?

     13. What proof did you need to be convinced of the truth of the gospel?

     14. What responsibility do we have to share our faith with others?

     15. How can you become a more regular student of the Scriptures?

     16. What could you do this week to settle the doubts about salvation that your non-Christian friends have?

Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection

2010-03-30T14:15:00.001+11:00

Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection

     1. When was a time you told a true story that other people found hard to believe?

     2. What did the women find once they arrived at the tomb? (24:2)

     3. What happened while the women were wondering what had happened to Jesus' body? (24:4)

     4. How did the women respond to the angels? (24:5)

     5. What did the angels tell the women about Jesus? (24:5-7)

     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)

     7. Why did the apostles not believe the women? (24:11)

     8. How did Peter respond to the sight of the empty tomb? (24:12)

     9. Why is Jesus' resurrection central to the Christian faith?

     10. Why did the disciples express disbelief even though Jesus had told them clearly that He would rise from the dead?

     11. What does this passage teach us about witnessing and evangelism?

     12. How does this story encourage you to share your faith with others?

     13. What should you do if others reject you or your testimony when you share your faith?

     14. How can you reaffirm your faith in God's promises this week?

     15. How can you prepare yourself for your next encounter with someone who criticizes you or does not accept your testimony?

Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion

2010-03-22T10:13:00.001+11:00

Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion

     1. When have you had to endure teasing or abuse?

     2. Why did the soldiers seize Simon of Cyrene? (23:26)

     3. Why did such a large crowd gather? (23:27)

     4. How did Jesus treat the women mourning for Him? (23:28-31)

     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)

     6. What do Jesus' words on the cross reveal about His character? (23:34)

     7. How was Jesus treated by others while He was hanging on the cross? (23:35-39)

     8. What did the first criminal demand of Jesus? (23:39)

     9. What request did the second criminal on the cross make of Jesus? (23:42)

     10. How did Jesus respond to the criminal's plea? (23:43)

     11. What can you learn from the actions of the repentant criminal?

     12. What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?

     13. In what way are we all like the criminals on the cross?

     14. What do we need to approach Jesus for?

     15. What does this passage teach you about forgiveness?

     16. Why did Jesus choose not to save Himself from His suffering on the cross?

     17. Could you say thank you to Jesus this week for His gift of salvation?

     18. How can you place a new area of your life in Christ's hands?

Luke 18:35-43 - A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

2010-03-15T13:40:00.001+11:00

Luke 18:35-43 - A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

     1. In what circumstances does the criticism of others not matter to you?

     2. How did the blind man know that something unusual was happening? (18:36)

     3. How did the blind man know who Jesus was? (18:37-38)

     4. How did the blind man respond to the situation? (18:38)

     5. What did the blind man do in response to the criticism of the crowd? (18:39)

     6. How did Jesus respond to the blind man? (18:40)

     7. Why did Jesus heal the blind man? (18:42)

     8. What role did the blind man's faith play in his healing? (18:42)

     9. How did the blind man and the crowds respond to the miracle Jesus performed? (18:43)

     10. What can we learn from this passage about persistence in prayer?

     11. What can we learn from the blind man in this account?

     12. How is faith involved in Jesus' miracles?

     13. How should you respond to group pressure?

     14. In what way do we all need healing from the Lord?

     15. Why do you think God heals some people and not others?

     16. What can you do this week to respond more appropriately to the criticism of others?

     17. What steps can you take to be persistent in your prayers this week?

Luke 18:18-30 - The Rich Ruler

2010-03-09T09:16:00.000+11:00

Luke 18:18-30 - The Rich Ruler

     1. What is the best example of "materialism" that you can think of?

     2. What does the wording of the ruler's question reveal about his attitude? (18:18)

     3. How did Jesus respond to the ruler's question? (18:19)

     4. What does the ruler's response to Jesus reveal about his character? (18:21)

     5. What did the ruler lack? (18:22)

     6. How did the ruler respond to Jesus' instructions? (18:23)

     7. What was the rich man's problem? (18:24-25)

     8. What did Jesus reveal about how a person can inherit eternal life? (18:27)

     9. What did Jesus teach about sacrifice? (18:29-30)

     10. What prevents people today from following Christ?

     11. How did the rich man's money hurt him?

     12. How do you need to change your attitude toward money or your financial practices?

     13. What specific sacrifice do you think Jesus would ask of you if you asked Him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

     14. What rewards could someone who left home for the kingdom of God expect?

     15. What is one sacrifice God is calling you to make?

Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

2010-03-01T09:51:00.000+11:00

Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

     1. How does it feel to be in the presence of someone markedly better than you at what you do best?

     2. How does our society regard the quality of humility?

     3. Why did Jesus tell this parable? (18:9)

     4. What did the Pharisee do? (18:11)

     5. What motivated the Pharisee to pray? (18:11)

     6. How did the Pharisee pray? (18:11-12)

     7. Why did the tax collector stand at a distance? (18:13)

     8. How did the tax collector pray? (18:13)

     9. What difference did it make how these men prayed? (18:14)

     10. What principle did Jesus stress? (18:14)

     11. What reputations did Pharisees and tax collectors have in Bible times?

     12. Who would be examples of "Pharisees" and "tax collectors" in our society today?

     13. How do we judge people according to outward appearances?

     14. How do you approach God in your prayers?

     15. What does this parable teach us about our prayer habits?

     16. In whose righteousness should we have confidence?

     17. Why does God honor the prayers of a humble person?

     18. In what area of your life do you want to combat a tendency to exalt yourself instead of Christ?

Studies and suggestions for Lent

2010-02-22T10:16:00.000+11:00

Studies for Lent from the Melbourne Anglican Diocese (Australia)

1. 2010 Walking with Jesus through Lent (weekly group studies, Year C) http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/main.php?pg=download&id=23012
Weekly studies using Year C Sunday Gospel readings plus Daily Studies for Holy Week based on the OT readings, with an introduction by Archbishop Freier. With background notes from a wide range of Melbourne Anglicans, and guidelines for reflecting on Scripture.

2. 2010 Walking with the Prophets through Lent (daily readings from the OT) http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/main.php?pg=download&id=23015
Daily readings using the daily OT readings for Lent. Invitations to reflect by Andrew McGowan, Peter Adam, Dorothy Lee, Barbara Deutschmann, David Williams, Andreas Löwe.

3. 2010 Leader’s Guide to Praying Scripture http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/main.php?pg=download&id=23017
Sections to help groups new to Scripture reflection using lectio divina, Ignatian meditation, the African method used at the Lambeth conference, the Scripture Union method.

If you would like to try something different that will not only help you spiritually but might also help the planet try TEAR Fund’s Carbon Fast. Download from http://www.tearfund.org/Campaigning/Carbon+Fast.htm

Lent for the Non-Liturgical -from Christianity Today Magazine

The Empty Tomb and a Meaningful Life - Lenten Study series (PDF)

from First Presbyterian Church San Diego.

Luke 18:1-8 The Persistent Widow

2010-02-22T09:58:00.000+11:00

Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow

     1. In what circumstances is persistence beneficial?

     2. What was Jesus' purpose in telling His disciples this parable? (18:1)

     3. How did Jesus describe the judge in the story? (18:2)

     4. Why was the woman in the story especially helpless? (18:3)

     5. How will God's actions differ from those of the unjust judge? (18:7)

     6. How will God's actions differ from those of the unjust judge? (18:7)

     7. What promise does this parable offer to Christians? (18:8)

     8. Why do people stop praying?

     9. What does it mean to be persistent in our prayers?

     10. How can we be sure we are praying for things that are within the will of God?

     11. What justice do you need to see administered in your life or the lives of others?

     12. How can you guard against the temptation to give up praying when you do not see immediate results?

     13. What changes in your daily routine can you make that will enable you to pray more persistently?

     14. For what need or concern will you commit to praying persistently?

Luke 17:20-37 - Ready for Christ's Return

2010-02-15T09:30:00.001+11:00

Luke 17:20-37 - Ready for Christ's Return

     1. What would you do if you were told you only had a few months left to live?

     2. What prompted Jesus to say, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation"? (17:20-21)

     3. What did Jesus tell His disciples they would long to see? (17:22)

     4. How did Jesus describe what the days of the Son of Man will be like? (17:24-30)

     5. What will happen to the person who attempts to keep his life? (17:33)

     6. What "phenomenon" will affect people on the day of the Son of Man? (17:34-35)

     7. What would gather where there is a dead body? (17:37)

     8. How would you describe your readiness for Christ's Second Coming?

     9. For what reason did Jesus warn, "Remember Lot's wife"?

     10. How does Jesus want us to view our earthly lives?

     11. Practically speaking, how could Jesus' teaching about losing your life make a difference in your daily routine?

     12. What people could you pray for this week who are still trying to keep their own life?

     13. How can you reaffirm your commitment to follow Jesus whatever the cost?

Luke 17:11-19 - Real Converts

2010-02-15T09:25:00.002+11:00

Luke 17:11-19 - Real Converts

     1. What are you most thankful for ?

     2. How would you react if you were suddenly healed of a disease or sickness?

     3. Where did the events of this story take place? (17:11)

     4. What did the ten men want from Jesus? (17:13)

     5. What happened to the men as they went to show themselves to the priest? (17:14)

     6. How did one man express his thankfulness to Jesus? (17:15-16)

     7. How did Jesus respond to the one man who returned? (17:17-19)

     8. How does Jesus want you to respond to the work He performs in your life?

     9. When have you ever failed to thank the Lord for something He did for you?

     10. When is it difficult to say thank you to God?

     11. Why does God desire our praise?

     12. What should we do when we need physical or spiritual healing from the Lord?

     13. Why is faith necessary for spiritual healing?

     14. What will you praise the Lord more faithfully for this week that you have neglected to notice in the past?

     15. Who is one person you could tell today about the great things God has done for you?

Luke 17:1-10 Responsible Servants

2010-02-08T10:24:00.000+11:00

Luke 17:1-10 Responsible Servants

     1. What makes it difficult to forgive a person who has wronged you?

     2. What did Jesus say about people who tempt others to sin? (17:1)

     3. What advice did Jesus give His disciples about how to react when others sin against them? (17:3-4)

     4. Why did the disciples think more faith would help them forgive in the way that Jesus instructed? (17:5)

     5. Why was Jesus' example of the mustard seed so startling? (17:6)

     6. In the parable, whom do the master and the servant represent? (17:7-9)

     7. What attitude should we have in working for the Lord? (17:10)

     8. What should you do if you discover that you have encouraged another believer to sin?

     9. When have you found it difficult to forgive someone?

     10. What is our "duty" as Christians?

     11. What attitudes and actions indicate a spirit of humility?

     12. What relationship can you work toward healing this week? How?

     13. What "duty" would the Lord urge you to fulfill this next week?

Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus

2010-02-01T09:20:00.001+11:00

Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus

     1. What do you imagine heaven and hell will be like?

     2. How did Jesus describe the rich man in the story? (16:19)

     3. What does the story tell us about Lazarus? (16:20)

     4. What role did angels play in this story? (16:22)

     5. What difference did the rich man's wealth make in his eternal destiny? (16:22-23)

     6. What does this parable reveal about heaven and hell? (16:22-31)

     7. How did Abraham respond to the request of the rich man? (16:25)

     8. What was the other reason why Lazarus could not help the rich man? (16:26)

     9. Why did the rich man want Lazarus to go to his father's house on earth? (16:27-28)

     10. Why did Abraham say that Moses and the Prophets should be enough for the rich man's brothers? (16:29, 31)

     11. If Christians believe in the reality of hell, what do you think stops them from sharing their faith with others?

     12. What do you think prevents people from accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ?

     13. How does this story affect your understanding of the afterlife?

     14. What things do you think have eternal value?

     15. How would this Scripture passage encourage Christians who are sick, poor, or disadvantaged?

     16. How has this parable changed your attitude toward witnessing to unbelievers?

     17. In the next few days, how can you demonstrate your thankfulness to the Lord for His provision of eternal life?

     18. How many people like Lazarus do you know who could benefit from your compassion today?

Luke 16:16-18 - Additional Teachings

2010-02-01T09:15:00.001+11:00

Luke 16:16-18 - Additional Teachings

     1. What attitudes does our culture have toward divorce?

     2. What two eras did John the Baptist's ministry divide? (16:16)

     3. What is easier than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law? (16:17)

     4. Why did Jesus emphasize the importance of the Law? (16:17)

     5. What relation does the section on divorce have to the previous verses about the Law? (16:18)

     6. How has Jesus' life changed the importance of the Law? (16:16-18)

     7. What difference does it make that Jesus' ministry was a perfect fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?

     8. What should be our attitude toward divorce?

     9. How do you think Jesus would want you to treat Christians who are divorced?

     10. If you have been hypocritical in your strict adherence to the letter of the law, what can you do to increase your commitment to the spirit of the law?

     11. What can you do this week to renew your obedience to the commands of Jesus in your everyday life?

     12. What could you do to help a person who is experiencing marriage difficulties?

Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

2010-01-13T15:17:00.004+11:00

Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

     1. How is a shrewd businessperson viewed in our society today?

     2. How can the love of money hurt a person?

     3. How did the rich man respond to the manager who was "wasting his possessions"? (16:1-2)

     4. Why was the manager scared to lose his job? (16:3)

     5. What plan did the manager devise to secure his future? (16:4-7)

     6. How did the rich master react to the dishonest dealings of the manager? (16:8)

     7. Who are the "people of light" to whom Jesus referred? (16:8)

     8. What main principle should govern the way we use our resources? (16:10-12)

     9. Why is it impossible to serve two masters? (16:13)

     10. What did Jesus mean when He said, "Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves"?

     11. Why is it so difficult to keep a proper perspective on money?

     12. How can we be sure that we will be "welcomed into eternal dwellings"?

     13. How can you become more trustworthy in handling the money and things that God has given you?

     14. What can you do during this next week to become a better steward of the resources God has given you?

Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Lost Son

2010-01-13T12:30:00.000+11:00

Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Lost Son

     1. How do you normally react when you feel you have been treated unfairly?

     2. What did the younger son ask his father to do? (15:12-13)

     3. How did the younger son live once he was out on his own? (15:13-20)

     4. Why did the younger son have to hire himself out for work? (15:14-15)

     5. What made the younger son decide to return home? (15:17-19)

     6. How did the father respond to the younger son's return home? (15:20)

     7. Why did the father call for a celebration? (15:22-24)

     8. What was wrong with the older brother's reaction to his brother's return? (15:25-32)

     9. Why did the father want the older brother to be happy? (15:31-32)

     10. What does the forgiving love of the father in this story represent?

     11. How have you been like the prodigal son in this story?

     12. When have you been like the older brother?

     13. From whom do we tend to withhold mercy?

     14. What causes us to harbor resentment when mercy is shown to someone else?

     15. What should we do when a vile person wants to be forgiven?

     16. How can you show compassion for those who have not believed in Christ?

     17. What does this parable reveal to you about the Lord's love?

     18. How can you guard yourself against feeling resentment when God shows mercy to people you think don't deserve it?

     19. To what "undeserving" person can you extend God's love and forgiveness this week? How?

Philippians 4:10-23 - Contentment and Generosity

2009-12-07T14:11:00.000+11:00

Philippians 4:10-23 - Contentment and Generosity

     1. When was a time you felt contentment in the middle of problems or uncertainty?

     2. Why was Paul glad? (4:10-13)

     3. What lesson had Paul learned about contentment? (4:10-13)

     4. What did the Philippians do about Paul's troubles? (4:14)

     5. How had the Philippians supported Paul in the past? (4:15-16)

     6. What did Paul want for the Philippians? (4:17)

     7. How did Paul respond to the Philippians' generosity? (4:18-19)

     8. To what did Paul give prominence in closing his letter? (4:23)

     9. How could Paul be so flexible in his approach to life's circumstances?

     10. How do you handle the unexpected?

     11. What can you learn from Paul about being content?

     12. The Philippian Christians helped Paul when he needed it; how are you able to help others in trouble?

     13. How will God honor a giving spirit?

     14. How can the relationship between Paul and the Philippians help your church in its relationship to those involved in missions?

     15. What can you do to develop an attitude of contentment in all circumstances?

Philippians 4:2-9 - Trust Christ

2009-11-30T09:56:00.000+11:00

Philippians 4:2-9 - Trust Christ

     1. How do you tend to respond when things don't go your way?

     2. What did Paul exhort the Philippian believers to do? (4:1)

     3. Why did Paul plead with Euodia and Syntyche? (4:2)

     4. What was Paul's relationship with Clement? (4:3)

     5. What did Paul encourage his readers to do? (4:4)

     6. How did Paul tell the Philippian Christians to treat others? (4:5)

     7. How should an awareness of Christ's imminent return affect a person's attitude? (4:5-7)

     8. What were the Philippians to do instead of worrying? (4:6-7)

     9. How can a believer enjoy the peace of God? (4:6-7)

     10. How can believers enjoy the presence of the God of peace? (4:9)

     11. When have you been involved in helping Christians resolve differences?

     12. How can you have a peaceful spirit?

     13. If you were more thankful, joyful, and gentle, how might your family and friends be affected?

     14. What does it mean to live a righteous life-style?

     15. In what areas of your life do you need to follow Paul's example?

     16. How can you be an effective peacemaker this week?

Philippians 3:12-4:1 - Pressing on in Christ

2009-11-23T10:24:00.003+11:00

Philippians 3:12-4:1 - Pressing on in Christ

     1. If you lived in ancient times and participated in sports, would you prefer chariot racing or spear throwing? Why?

     2. What was Paul's testimony? (3:12-14)

     3. What was Paul's goal? (3:14)

     4. How did Paul call the Philippians to share his view? (3:15)

     5. What was Paul's plea to the Philippians? (3:16)

     6. How did Paul describe God's enemies? (3:18-19)

     7. Whom did the Philippian believers eagerly await? (3:20)

     8. What characterizes citizens of heaven? (3:21)

     9. What kind of race are you running for Christ?

     10. What prize do you seek?

     11. How can you imitate Paul's life and example?

     12. How can Christ help you stay on track and reach the goal?

     13. What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run your Christian marathon?

     14. In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Christ?

Philippians 3:1-11 - Faith in Christ

2009-11-16T14:58:00.000+11:00

Philippians 3:1-11 - Faith in Christ

     1. If you were to update your resume today, what recent accomplishment would you want to include?

     2. How do you feel when someone is better than you at something you do well?

     3. Why did Paul repeat essential truths to the Philippians? (3:1)

     4. What did Paul say about certain false teachers? (3:2)

     5. What autobiographical facts did Paul give? (3:4-6)

     6. In what sense was Paul not boasting, even though he was calling attention to his accomplishments? (3:7-9)

     7. Why did Paul view his former accomplishments as "rubbish"? (3:8)

     8. What was Paul's status in Christ? (3:9)

     9. What longings did Paul admit to the Philippians? (3:10-11)

     10. What sorts of things tend to draw you away from Christ?

     11. What do you usually boast about?

     12. Why should our identity and confidence be in the Lord?

     13. How is the Apostle Paul's commitment to Christ an example to you?

     14. When you face struggles this week, how can you remember to rejoice rather than complain?

     15. What do you need to start counting as rubbish for the sake of Christ?

Philippians 2:19-30 - Model Christ

2009-11-10T09:18:00.000+11:00

Philippians 2:19-30 - Model Christ

1. When was the last time you gave a character reference for a friend?

2. What was Paul's opinion of Timothy? (2:20)

3. In Paul's view, why did Timothy stand out? (2:21-22)

4. When would Paul send Timothy to the Philippians? (2:23)

5. Who was Epaphroditus? (2:25)

6. How did Epaphroditus feel about his friends in Philippi? (2:26)

7. What happened to Epaphroditus? (2:26-27)

8. How did Paul demonstrate his selflessness? (2:28)

9. How were the Philippians told to welcome home Epaphroditus? (2:29-30)

10. Among your circle of Christian friends, for whom do you have the highest regard? Why?

11. Why could Paul count on Timothy and Epaphroditus?

12. In what ways have you proved to be a reliable servant of God?

13. What risks are you willing to take on behalf of other Christians?

14. This week, how can you look out for the interests of the Lord rather than your own interests?

15. How can you be a model of humility and service to other Christians this week?

Philippians 2:12-18 - Shining as Stars

2009-11-04T13:47:00.000+11:00

Philippians 2:12-18 - Shining as Stars

1. Who pointed the way for you in your first job?

2. What is the most frequent complaint you hear?

3. What did the Philippian Christians need to obey? (2:12)

4. How would God help the Philippians obey Him? (2:12-13)

5. Why were the Philippians not shining "like stars" in their world? (2:14-16)

6. What would enable Paul to boast about the Philippians? (2:14-16)

7. How did Paul view his own life? (2:17)

8. What did Paul want his friends at Philippi to experience? (2:18)

9. What does it mean "to work out your salvation with fear and trembling"?

10. What do you tend to complain and argue about?

11. How does shining for Christ encourage others to be drawn to Him?

12. How can you help new believers "shine like stars" for God's kingdom?

13. In what situations this week do you need to make a conscious effort not to complain or argue?

14. Before whom do you want to shine in your place of work or neighborhood? In what ways can you do so?

Philippians 2:1-11 - Imitating Christ's Humility

2009-10-21T11:58:00.000+11:00

Philippians 2:1-11 - Imitating Christ's Humility

1. How much of a peacemaker are you?

2. What four qualities mark unity with Christ? (2:1)

3. What did Paul say about self-centeredness? (2:3-4)

4. What did Paul exhort believers to have? (2:5)

5. What did Christ set aside when He became a man? (2:6-8)

6. How did Jesus limit Himself? (2:6-8)

7. How was Christ fully God and fully man at the same time? (2:6-8)

8. Why did Christ take on the limitations of being human even though He was of the same nature as God? (2:7)

9. How did Christ win sovereignty over all people and over everything? (2:10)

10. How does your life show that you count on Christ?

11. How can Christ help you keep peace with others?

12. What hinders unity in your church?

13. How does Christ's example of humility challenge our natural self-centeredness?

14. What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate humility in your relationships?

Further small group study resources

2009-09-28T14:53:00.004+10:00

For your small group study try using more than one version of the Bible in addition to the NIV or NRSV.

> The Contemporary English Version, Amplified, The Message-paraphrase are all available at http://biblegateway.com
> The J B Philips New Testament in Modern English.
http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/JBPhillips.htm
> The Laughing Bird Scripture Paraphrase -
http://www.laughingbird.net/ScriptureParaphrases.html

Dramatised Readings in Philippians by Doug Whitely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng8at5yR4go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwM9RS-mZWI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwQhNtRYAAs&feature=related

Map of Paul's Journeys
http://www.searchgodsword.org/se/pbm/view.cgi?js=yes&number=35&size=1024
Free Powerpoint backgrounds for Philippians
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/powerpoint.cgi

Philippians 1:27-30 Be Worthy of Christ

2009-09-22T15:26:00.003+10:00

Philippians 1:27-30 Be Worthy of Christ

1. When you were younger what in-group, club or organisation did you want to belong to? Why?

2. What did Paul want the believers to do? (1:27-30)

3. What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
Christ?

4. How did Paul tell the Philippians to face opposition? (1:27-30)

5. How did Paul encourage the Christians at Philippi? (1:29)

6. What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)

7. Have you ever suffered for Christ? If you have, describe the reason for your suffering. What was your attitude towards it?

8. What about your life-style do you most want to change in your desire to live for Christ?

9. Looking at your family, your church or your place of work, what could you do to increase the unity that is present? What effect would this have?

Philippians 1:19-26 Live for Christ

2009-09-22T15:07:00.002+10:00

Philippians 1:19-26 Live for Christ

1. How interested are you in the lives of famous people?

2. Why did Paul expect to be delivered from his predicament? (1:19)

3. What was Paul's main purpose in living? (1:21)

4. What were Paul's convictions about living and dying? (1:22-24)

5. Why did Paul think he would remain alive? (1:24-26)

6. For what do you truly live?

7. Whom do you know who is suffering for Christ right now?

8. How is your church different from the Philippian church?

9. What's the toughest thing you've had to experience as a Christian?

10. What are you willing to risk to have the reputation of being a fearless Christian?

11. What can you do today to encourage someone who is suffering because of his or her faith?

Philippians 1:12-18 - Speak About Christ

2009-09-22T15:00:00.003+10:00

Philippians 1:12-18 - Speak About Christ

1. How often do you watch TV shows or read articles about celebrities?

2. How was Paul's ministry affected by his bondage? (1:12-14)

3. Why was Paul being talked about? (1:13)

4. How did Paul's incarceration affect the testimony of others? (1:14)

5. Why did some people preach Christ out of envy and rivalry? (1:15-17)

6. Why did some people preach Christ in love? (1:15-16)

7. What made Paul rejoice? (1:18)

8. How did Paul's notoriety work to his advantage?

9. How would you like the reputation of being a fearless Christian?

10. To what degree do you share Paul's passion for the gospel?

11. What step toward dedicating every area of your life to Christ can you take today?

Philippians 1:1-11 - Thanksgiving and Prayer

2009-09-22T14:18:00.002+10:00

Philippians 1:1-11 - Thanksgiving and Prayer

1. What's your usual way of saying hello to your friends?

2. How did Paul identify himself and his coworker? (1:1)

3. How did Paul greet the Philippians? (1:2)

4. When Paul thought about the Philippians, what did he do? (1:3)

5. How were the Philippians in partnership with Paul? (1:4-5)

6. What was Paul confident about? (1:6)

7. How did Paul feel about the Philippian church? (1:7-8)

8. What two results did Paul seek? (1:10-11)

9. Why is it a good practice to begin a letter with a Christian blessing?

10. What godly encouragement can you offer other Christians?

11. Paul complimented the church at Philippi; what positive things can you say about your congregation?

12. What prayer of thanksgiving can you offer for your church today?

13. How can you encourage someone in his or her Christian journey this week?

Small Group resources to study Philippians

2009-08-24T15:06:00.007+10:00

Free Audio Bible Reading of Philippians
An exposition of Philippians available as PDF download
For a study guide on the book of Philippians click here
Inductive Bible Study questions on Philippians
MinistryLive.org studies in Philippians
Grace Notes on Philippians by Dr Grant Richison
The Expository Files
Textweek

Proverbs 21:1-31 - Solomon's Wisdom

2009-06-29T09:21:00.001+10:00

Proverbs 21:1-31 - Solomon's Wisdom

1. What sort of things do you crave?

2. What themes run through the proverbs in this chapter? (21:1-31)

3. What did Solomon say about marriage? (21:9, 19)

4. According to Solomon, how can punishment benefit a person? (21:11)

5. What's wrong with loving pleasure and wine? (21:17)

6. What promise is there for the person who pursues righteousness and love? (21:21)

7. What did Solomon say about cravings? (21:25-26)

8. How are our plans affected by God's will? (21:30-31)

9. When do people often rationalize sinful behavior?

10. What is the purpose of pleasure?

11. How should we enjoy pleasure?

12. When is it hard for you to guard what you say?

13. When can you take time this week to reexamine your motives?

14. In what way can you pursue righteousness and love?

Proverbs 31:1-31 - The Noble Wife

2009-06-22T16:00:00.000+10:00

Proverbs 31:1-31 - The Noble Wife

1. Why do you think physical beauty is so important to people?

2. What makes a good marriage work?

3. What is a noble wife worth? (31:10)

4. What type of person do the last two-thirds of this chapter concern? (31:10-31)

5. In what tasks does the noble wife engage? (31:13-27)

6. How does the noble wife's family respond to her? (31:28)

7. What is deceptive and fleeting? (31:30)

8. What can we do to encourage wives and mothers in their God-given responsibilities?

9. How is charm deceptive?

10. Why is it important to keep in mind the fact that physical beauty is fleeting?

11. How can you recognize the importance of inner beauty?

12. What is one God-given role or responsibility (whether that of a wife or something else) you can devote to God's service?

13. How can you show appreciation to your mother or wife for her hard work and wisdom?

Proverbs 23:1-35 - Build Strong Families

2009-06-15T10:47:00.000+10:00

Proverbs 23:1-35 - Build Strong Families

1. What methods of punishment (for example, spanking or time out) did your parents use when you were growing up?

2. What is deceptive? (23:1-3)

3. What themes are developed in these sayings of the wise? (23:1-35)

4. Why should we not withhold discipline from children? (23:13-14)

5. What did the author encourage the reader to do? (23:17-18)

6. How should we treat our parents? Why? (23:22-25)

7. What was the author's advice concerning alcohol? Why? (23:29-35)

8. If riches are fleeting, why do people strive so hard to acquire them?

9. How is being stingy with respect to your possessions as bad as wearing yourself out pursuing riches?

10. Why would a parent withhold discipline from his or her child?

11. How could disciplining a child save him or her from death?

12. Why should we be wary of alcohol?

13. What do you want to change or improve about the way you discipline your children?

Proverbs 29:1-27 - Manage Anger

2009-06-09T11:13:00.000+10:00

Proverbs 29:1-27 - Manage Anger
1. What gets you mad?

2. Why do you think crime is increasing in our society?

3. What fate awaits the person who is stubborn, or stiff-necked? (29:1)

4. What characters did Solomon talk about in these proverbs? (29:1-27)

5. How did Solomon distinguish between the wicked, the wise, and the foolish? (29:1-27)

6. What damage does a flatterer do? (29:5)

7. How do the fool and the wise person deal with anger? (29:11)

8. When do people cast off restraint? (29:18)

9. What did Solomon say about the person who speaks in haste? (29:20)

10. From where do we get justice? (29:26)

11. Why will people be stubborn even when they know they are wrong?

12. How do you vent your anger and frustration?

13. What is the right way to deal with anger?

14. When do we usually speak without thinking?

15. How can we be responsible and not hasty with our words?

16. How can you better manage the way in which you deal with or express anger?

John 9:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

2009-06-01T09:31:00.000+10:00

John 9:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

1. In what way would being blind change your life?

2. What question did Jesus' disciples ask Him about the blind man's condition? (9:2)

3. Why had this man been born blind? (9:3)

4. What question did the blind man's neighbors ask him? (9:10)

5. What did the man's neighbors want to know? (9:12)

6. How do our sins affect us physically or emotionally?

7. Through what disability or weakness can you glorify God?

8. What work has God given you to do while you still have time?

9. In what way has God healed you?

10. In what ways are we spiritually blind?

11. How did your family and friends respond when you put your faith in Christ?

12. For what healing in your life will you praise God today?

1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 26-33a- The Gift of Prophecy

2009-05-25T09:59:00.002+10:00

1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 26-33a- The Gift of Prophecy

1. What are some traditions or practices in your family that would seem strange to someone outside your family?

2. What did God want the Corinthians to desire? (14:1)

3. Why were the Corinthians to desire the gift of prophecy more than the gift of tongues? (14:1-5)

4. What must be combined with the gift of tongues to make it useful to others? (14:6)

5. Why is it beneficial for unbelievers to hear prophesying in the church? (14:24-25)

6. Why did Paul use the example of musical instruments in talking about prophecy? (14:7-8)

7. How would you summarize God's priorities concerning the spiritual gift of prophecy?

8. What practices can every local church use to ensure that spiritual gifts are used to build up people?

9. What practices can every local church use to ensure that spiritual gifts are used to build up people?

10. How can you guard against desiring spiritual gifts for the wrong motives?

11. What more can your church or fellowship do to attract unbelievers?

12. How could you use one spiritual gift this week to help another Christian?

13. What passage of Scripture can you memorize to counteract a temptation to doubt God's involvement in your life?

Proverbs 13:1-25 - Be Generous

2009-05-18T09:07:00.001+10:00

Proverbs 13:1-25 - Be Generous

1. What is something you crave?

2. When was the last time someone asked you to get involved in some sort of get-rich-quick scheme?

3. What do the unfaithful crave? (13:2)

4. How should we and should we not use money? (13:7)

5. What advantage does a person have who is poor? (13:8)

6. How should a person accumulate wealth? (13:11)

7. How does a prudent person act? (13:16)

8. What reward do righteous people receive? (13:21)

9. What does a good person leave for his or her grandchildren? (13:22)

10. How is Solomon's advice about accumulating wealth like or unlike any financial advice you have been given?

11. Why are people tempted by get-rich-quick schemes?

12. How do wise teachings turn a person from death?

13. Why does a good person leave an inheritance to his or her grandchildren?

14. What is one specific step you will take this week to guard what you say?

15. What do you want to change about the way you handle money?

Proverbs 10:1-32 Speak Truth

2009-05-11T10:04:00.002+10:00

Proverbs 10:1-32 Speak Truth

1. Who was the last person to say something encouraging to you?

2. Why do you agree or disagree with the statement that the tongue can do as much harm as a gun?

3. How would you describe these proverbs? (10:1-32)

4. What are the rewards of diligence? laziness? (10:4-5)

5. How did Solomon compare the memory of the righteous and the wicked? (10:7)

6. What did Solomon say about the mouth of the righteous and the wicked? (10:11, 13, 14)

7. How are hatred and love different? (10:12)

8. What did Solomon say about the tongue, the lips, and words? (10:18-21, 31-32)

9. What is the way of the Lord for the righteous and the wicked? (10:29)

10. What does it mean to use our lips, mouth, tongue, and words wisely?

11. Why is it difficult for people to hold their tongue?

12. How can you nourish another person with your words?

13. How is God your refuge?

14. Who is someone you will nourish with a kind word today?

Proverbs 6- Warnings against Folly

2009-04-27T10:52:00.005+10:00

Proverbs 1- Warnings against Folly
1. When was the last time you committed yourself to doing something without really thinking about it?

2. What do you think makes it hard to live a disciplined life-style in our society?

3. What title would you give to this chapter? (6:1-35)

4. What should we observe, and why? (6:6-8)

5. What happens to sluggards? (6:9-11)

6. What is detestable to the Lord? (6:17-19)

7. What should we do with our parents' commands and teachings? (6:20-22)

8. How did Solomon describe these commands and teachings? (6:23)

9. What is dangerous about lust? (6:24-29)

10. When and why are you tempted to make unwise commitments?

11. What can we learn from the ant?

12. What is the difference between laziness and leisure?

13. How can the teachings of parents guard and protect their children?

14. In what one area of your life will you make an effort to be more disciplined this week?

Proverbs 5:1-23 - Develop Discipline

2009-04-20T09:40:00.001+10:00

Proverbs 5:1-23 - Develop Discipline

1. In what way have you found society encourages or discourages personal discipline?

2. Why did Solomon tell the reader to listen to his words? (5:1-2)

3. What is this chapter about? (5:1-23)

4. What thought does an adulteress give to the long-term consequences of her way of life? (5:6)

5. What did Solomon encourage us to do? (5:7-8)

6. How should a person satisfy his or her thirst? (5:15)

7. Where should a person seek sexual fulfillment? (5:15-20)

8. What did Solomon say was the downfall of a wicked man? (5:23)

9. How do people show they hate discipline?

10. Why might someone be tempted to satisfy his or her longings outside his or her marriage relationship?

11. How does the fact that your ways are in full view of the Lord make you feel?

12. What steps can you take to guard against sexual temptation?

13. What can you do today to renew your love relationship with your spouse?

Proverbs 1:1-33 - Pursue Wisdom

2009-04-14T11:03:00.002+10:00

Proverbs 1:1-33 - Pursue Wisdom

1. Who is the wisest person you know?

2. What makes a person foolish or wise?

3. Why did Solomon write Proverbs? (1:1-7)

4. What three types of individuals are mentioned by Solomon? (1:1-7)

5. Where does wisdom come from? (1:7)

6. How did Solomon describe wisdom? (1:20-21)

7. How does wisdom treat those who reject her? (1:24-27)

8. What is the result of not accepting wisdom? (1:28-32)

9. How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of knowledge?

10. What are the benefits of living wisely?

11. When and why have you been tempted to pursue ill-gotten gain?

12. Why do you agree or disagree with the principle that both the wise and the fool reap what they sow?

13. What is one thing you can do this week to seek wisdom?

14. What change in your life-style can you make to avoid being enticed by evil?

Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry

2009-03-31T09:11:00.000+11:00

Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry

1. Why do many Christians cheer like crazy at sporting events on Saturday and sheepishly sing praise songs to the Lord the next morning?

2. Through what village were Jesus and His disciples passing? (21:1)

3. Jesus sent two of His disciples to find and return with what? Why? (21:2-3)

4. Why was this incident significant? (21:4-5)

5. What did the gathered crowd place on the road? Why? (21:8)

6. How did this "parade" affect those living in Jerusalem? (21:10)

7. What did the crowd accompanying Jesus say about Him to those in the city? (21:11)

8. If you had lived in Jerusalem during that time, do you think you would have been a follower of Christ or one of the people who looked skeptically at all His activities?

9. In what ways do we simplistically "cheer" Jesus?

10. How would you answer if a friend asked, "Who is Jesus?"

11. How should worship play a role in your daily life?

12. What special gift (time, money, possessions, effort, etc.) of worship can you present to Jesus today?

13. What does the Lord "need" from you (see Matthew 21:3) today to accomplish His plan in your life?

Matthew 10:1-42 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

2009-03-23T09:48:00.000+11:00

Matthew 10:1-42 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

1. How might a parent feel sending his or her child off to school for the first time?

2. Why do you think certain people are antagonistic to the gospel?

3. What kind of authority did Jesus give His twelve disciples? (10:1)

4. What sort of accommodations were the disciples to seek in their travels? (10:11-13)

5. How were the disciples supposed to respond to those who rejected them? (10:14-15)

6. What warnings of danger or hardship did Christ give His disciples? (10:17-23)

7. What kinds of things did Jesus say to bolster His disciples' courage? (10:26-31)

8. Where specifically do you think Jesus wants you to minister?

9. How do you react when someone makes jokes about your faith or when people treat you harshly?

10. What do you think it means to lose your life for Christ's sake?

11. What promises from this chapter can you meditate on this week to make you a more effective minister for Christ?

12. In what specific situations do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to say?

Matthew 9:35-38 - The Compassion of Jesus

2009-03-14T10:33:00.000+11:00

Matthew 9:35-38 - The Compassion of Jesus

1. In what situations do you tend to feel compassion?

2. What do you pray about on a regular basis?

3. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus heal? (9:35)

4. What emotion did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds of people around Him? (9:36)

5. What helpless animals were the people compared to? (9:36)

6. For whom did Jesus tell His disciples to pray? (9:37)

7. Who are the non-Christians in your life?

8. What skills, gifts, abilities, or talents can you use to help others come to Christ?

9. What can you do to overcome your friends' and neighbors' objections or reservations about following Jesus?

10. What missionaries can you pray for this week?

11. How can you make a difference today in the life of someone who is "harassed and helpless"?

Matthew 9:18-26 - Faith in Jesus

2009-03-02T09:51:00.001+11:00

Matthew 9:18-26 - Faith in Jesus
1. What epitaph would you like on your tombstone?

2. Who approached Jesus? What did the man do? (9:18)

3. What startling situation and request did the man present to Jesus? (9:18)

4. While Jesus and the others made their way to the man's house, who touched Jesus' cloak? (9:20)

5. What was the woman's reasoning for touching Jesus' cloak? (9:21)

6. Why was the woman healed? (9:22)

7. Upon arriving at the ruler's house, what did Jesus say to the crowd? (9:24)

8. What did Christ do after He put the crowd outside? (9:25)

9. What happened after Christ left? (9:26)

10. What personal encouragement and comfort do you find in Christ's ability to heal the sick and raise the dead?

11. What are some ways we "laugh at Jesus" in our beliefs and behavior?

12. How do you think a twelve-year illness would affect your faith in God?

13. What impossible situation are you facing?

14. What act of kindness can you show this week to someone who is ill or grieving?

Matthew 9:9-17 - The Challenge of Jesus

2009-02-24T10:30:00.001+11:00

Matthew 9:9-17 - The Challenge of Jesus

1. If you were starting your own business, what qualities would you look for in prospective employees?

2. What did Jesus tell Matthew to do? (9:9)

3. Where did Jesus and Matthew go? Why? (9:10)

4. What did the Pharisees think of Jesus' attendance at Matthew's social function? (9:11)

5. What was Jesus' response to the Pharisees? (9:12)

6. What did Jesus tell His listeners they needed to learn? (9:13)

7. What did John's disciples want to know? (9:14)

8. Using an illustration from the world of wine making, Jesus talked about the need to do what? (9:17)

9. In what ways are you guilty of being legalistic?

10. What do you think people would say if you associated with a "wild crowd" in order to be a witness for Christ?

11. What will happen if we never reach out to those outside the church?

12. Why is it wrong for us to measure our performance as Christians by a list of dos and don'ts?

13. How can you cultivate a relationship with a non-Christian friend this week?

Matthew 9:1-8 - The Blasphemy of Jesus

2009-02-23T14:54:00.000+11:00

Matthew 9:1-8 - The Blasphemy of Jesus

1. What qualities do you look for in a friend?

2. What people did God use to bring you to Jesus?

3. Upon His arrival, whom did Jesus encounter? (9:2)

4. What attribute did the men exhibit in coming to Christ? (9:2)

5. What did the teachers of the law think about Jesus' declaration? (9:3)

6. What did Jesus say about the teachers' opinions? (9:4-6)

7. What was Jesus' argument for His authority to forgive sins? (9:5-6)

8. What happened to the paralytic? (9:7)

9. What was the crowd's reaction to this event? (9:8)

10. How can we see a person's faith?

11. What do you think it would be like to be a paraplegic or quadriplegic?

12. What experiences led up to you meeting Christ and having your sins forgiven?

13. How do you typically react when someone else becomes a Christian?

14. What can you do for a hurting friend this week?

Matthew 8:23-27 - The Power of Jesus

2009-02-16T09:10:00.000+11:00

Matthew 8:23-27 - The Power of Jesus

1. What is your scariest "bad weather story"?

2. Who accompanied Jesus in the boat? (8:23)

3. What surprise did the boaters encounter in this scene? (8:24)

4. What did the disciples do? What did the disciples say?(8:25)

5. How did Jesus reply to the disciples' expression of fear? (8:26)

6. How did the disciples react to this astonishing sequence of events? (8:27)

7. Why do you think most people--even nonreligious folks--turn to God when things really fall apart?

8. Why do we panic about the storms swirling around us when the God of the universe lives inside us?

9. How does it make you feel to remember that you have a Savior who is greater than anything this world can throw at you?

10. What amazing acts has God done for you?

11. This week, what specific ways can you demonstrate your belief that Jesus will see you through the storms in your life?

Matthew 8:18-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus

2009-02-09T10:20:00.000+11:00

Matthew 8:18-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus

1. What excuses do people give for neglecting common responsibilities?

2. What observation prompted Jesus to cross to the other side of the lake? (8:18)

3. Who approached Jesus? (8:19-20)

4. What command did Jesus give to the disciple that offered to follow Him under certain conditions? (8:22)

5. Why do we value popularity?

6. Why do we value home ownership?

7. What are the pros and cons of putting down roots and getting settled into a community?

8. In what ways might a family (parents, siblings, or children) get in the way of following Jesus?

9. In what ways can our love for Christ cost us?

10. What can you do this week to encourage a Christian who has made sacrifices to follow Christ?

Matthew 8:5-13 - The Faith of the Centurion

2009-02-02T09:15:00.000+11:00

Matthew 8:5-13 - The Faith of the Centurion

1. What did your mother do for you when you got sick as a child?

2. Who approached Jesus and asked for help? (8:5)

3. What did Jesus promise the soldier? (8:7)

4. What humble, surprising suggestion did the man make? (8:8)

5. What rationale did the centurion have for making his request? (8:9)

6. What insight did Jesus give about the guest list of the kingdom of heaven? (8:11)

7. What instructions did Jesus give the centurion? (8:13)

8. How should you respond when friends or relatives have needs?

9. How does Jesus' ready willingness to help the centurion's servant encourage you?

10. Why are we so often filled with doubt?

11. What assurance do you have that you will be at the great heavenly feast Jesus mentioned in this passage?

12. For what person who is sick or in trouble can you intercede today?

13. For what promise of Jesus will you trust God and expect Him to work this week?

Psalm 145

2009-01-22T11:10:00.001+11:00

Travis Cottrel http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=x4xEE_LiriY

Psalm 63:1-11

2009-01-12T13:04:00.000+11:00

Psalm 63:1-11 - Psalm 63

1. What do you like to drink when you're really thirsty?

2. What images did the psalm writer use to describe his longing for God? (63:1, 5)

3. What is the theme of this psalm? (63:1-11)

4. How did David describe his experience at the temple? (63:2-5)

5. How did the psalm writer's experience in the day encourage him at night? (63:2-7)

6. What did David expect to happen to his enemies? (63:9-10)

7. What did David expect to happen to those who trusted God? (63:11)

8. What would make a person long for God?

9. What image would you use to describe your present situation?

10. How would you describe your last visit to church?

11. What steps can we take to make the most of the time we spend in God's house?

12. In what ways could you remind yourself of God's presence with you throughout the week?

13. For what do you want to praise God?

Galatians 5:16-26 - Gods Gift of Joy

2008-12-08T14:41:00.000+11:00

Galatians 5:16-26 - Gods Gift of Joy

1. What do you really like about yourself?

2. What would happen if the Galatians lived by the power of the Holy Spirit? (5:16)

3. How could the Galatian Christians lead godly lives? (5:18)

4. What religious sins does the sinful nature produce? (5:20)

5. What societal evils come from our sinful nature? (5:20-21)

6. What happens to a Christian who is under the control of the Holy Spirit? (5:22-23)

7. How is a Christian empowered to live by the Spirit? (5:24-25)

8. What did Paul tell the Galatian Christians not to do? (5:26)

9. Why do Christians tend to excuse the behavior of their old nature?

10. In what sense do love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow in a person much the way fruit grows on a tree?

11. How do you see the character of the Holy Spirit growing in your life?

12. What can you do this week to nurture the character of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Christmas Baskets

2008-12-04T13:21:00.005+11:00

A great idea for an end of year small group activity. One small group at our church put together a number of "Christmas baskets". The group members brought along wrapping paper, recycled baskets, food, gifts, and some toys. The baskets were filled with gifts and then covered with cellophane and a gift card attached. These baskets were then distributed to folk who have been through a difficult time or who would appreciate some encouragement. The little note attached simply said: "Please accept this gift from a St Alfred's small group. Christmas blessing to you!" Most of the baskets were delivered anonymously.

Ending Small Groups

2008-12-01T10:00:00.004+11:00

Does every small group have a distinct life cycle?
Every small group has a beginning, a middle and an end. We hear a lot about starting small groups and helping the group to establish trust. But planning for the end of a group is seldom discussed. Each small group needs to be helped to have a realistic understanding that the group is going to end. Both ends of the life cycle need an equal amount of attention.
What do group members need to know to prepare for their group finishing?
People often think that if something is really good it will continue. If the group is helpful and beneficial to those in it, the group will grow. But when a group begins to plateau and some members are increasingly absent, often group members feel guilty… they feel that the group has failed. Group members need to be aware that this point will come regardless of how successful or unsuccessful they have been. Leaders need to be aware upfront of the fact that there will always be groups dying and groups being born.
What problems occur when a group is not prepared for termination?
If you don’t help people deal with the loss of their group, then they may be emotionally blocked from going into a new group experience.
What is a healthy way to help a group come to termination?
Before ending a group the members need to tell their stories. They need to give thanks where thanks is due and to identify and discuss significant experiences of Christian growth or new understanding that have taken place within the group. They need to talk about how the group has left its mark on them.

# A Blessing Exercise ( When Finishing Your Group)
Before a group disbands, it is important that there be healthy closure. Jacob told the angel, “ I will not let you go until you bless me.” When your group discontinues ( as every group will sooner or later), you are –in fact—letting go of one another. Some of the ways you might “bless” one another include:
Prayer. Each member of the group might offer a special prayer for each of the others, such as, “My prayer for you is…” or” May God grant you …”
Forgiveness: In some ways a blessing is a way of saying. “Maybe we have disappointed each other. Maybe we have not met each other’s expectations. And I let you go so that you are free.” this might require forgiving old wrongs and putting your house in order.
Encouragement and affirmation. Often groups finish because members are beginning to wrestle and respond to new calls. Part of blessing is to help people explore these new callings … to help people make decisions and take the next step. They need to move on in their journey with your affirmation and encouragement.

Matthew 5:13-16 - God's Gift of Purpose

2008-12-01T09:45:00.000+11:00

Matthew 5:13-16 - God's Gift of Purpose

1. What are the top five moral problems our country is facing?

2. How did Jesus imply that a Christian's positive influence can wane or disappear? (5:13)

3. How are we like light? (5:14)

4. According to Jesus, how exactly are Christians to be like lamps? (5:16)

5. If believers live as they are supposed to live, how will others respond toward God? (5:16)

6. What did Jesus mean when He called His followers salt?

7. How can a Christian lose his or her saltiness?

8. How might a believer hide his or her light?

9. What does light reveal?

10. In light of your gifts, abilities, and interests, what specific problem in our world can you counteract as a representative of Christ?

Psalm 33:1-22

2008-11-24T14:01:00.000+11:00

Psalm 33:1-22
1. In what ways are you more schedule-oriented or spontaneous?

2. How does this psalm call people to praise the Lord? (33:1-3)

3. What main theme unifies this psalm? (33:1-22)

4. For what specific reasons did the psalm writer praise God? (33:4-19)

5. What character traits did the psalm writer ascribe to the Lord? (33:4-22)

6. How has the Lord demonstrated His creativity? (33:6-9)

7. How reliable are the plans of people in relation to God's plans? (33:10-11)

8. How is the Lord involved in the lives of His people? (33:13-15, 18-19)

9. What conclusion does this psalm make about self-reliance? (33:16-19)

10. What decision did the psalm writer make? (33:20-22)

11. Why do you think we so easily rely on our own strength rather than trust in the Lord?

12. What does this psalm teach us about the character of God?

13. What talents or abilities do you have?

14. In what area of life do you most need to "wait in hope for the Lord"?

15. What words of encouragement or instruction can you give to someone else concerning his or her future?

2 Chronicles 31:2-21 - Saying Thank You

2008-11-17T14:47:00.001+11:00

2 Chronicles 31:2-21 - Saying Thank You

1. What have been the results of projects on which you have worked wholeheartedly?

2. What were the duties of the various divisions of priests and Levites as assigned by Hezekiah? (31:2)

3. How did Hezekiah make sure that the priests and Levites had time to do their jobs properly? (31:4)

4. What was the response of the people when Hezekiah called on them to bring the required portion of their wealth for the support of the priests? (31:5-7)

5. How did Hezekiah and his officials respond to the generosity of the people? (31:8)

6. What sort of distribution system was developed to get the provisions to all of the priests? (31:14-15)

7. Whose needs were provided through the administrators of the offerings? (31:16-19)

8. What qualities characterized all of Hezekiah's actions as king, especially in relation to the temple worship? (31:20-21)

9. What response on the part of the people indicated that the revival that took place during the Passover celebration was a lasting change of heart for many of the people?

10. Why is it appropriate to praise God when His people give generously?

11. What was the source of Hezekiah's guidance for these ambitious projects?

12. How can you say thank you to God for the work His people do?

Small Group Covenant

2008-11-13T11:36:00.003+11:00

OUR SMALL GROUP COVENANT
Because life in a small group

brings special responsibilities as well as privileges;

thrives in an environment characterised by unconditional love and care;

provides a unique opportunity of members to grow in spiritual maturity, relationships with one another, and service.

Believing that this is God’s will for the group, I will endeavour to:

be committed to the group and to our meetings together.
be open and honest.
listen to others in the group.
regard as confidential all that is shared in group meetings and so foster trust.
encourage all members of the group in their walk with God and in developing their gifts in His service.
be open to God’s leading, to listen to and to seek to obey Him.
be outward looking.
be compassionate towards those in need outside the group.
pray for other group members regularly.

My commitment to this covenant will be for 11 months.
A review will be held in December...

Small Group Goals

2008-11-12T15:50:00.004+11:00

Small Group Goals

To grow in your relationship with God so that it becomes deeper,stronger and more exciting.
To experience a loving, caring, supportive and healing community of friends.
To experience the excitement and challenges of growing in your faith with others (getting "stretched" is much more bearable when done with others!)
Learn more about your spiritual gifts, and provide an opportunity to use them to serve others.
To learn to relate the word of God personally and practically to everyday life.
To reach out to other members in your group to bless, encourage and care for them.
With others in your group, reach our in practical ways to touch the local community and wider world with the love of God.

Romans 12:1-8 - Living Sacrifices

2008-11-10T16:36:00.000+11:00

Romans 12:1-8 - Living Sacrifices

1. What influences have significantly shaped your life?

2. What is the most reasonable response to God's great mercy? (12:1-2)

3. How is the Christian to be different from unbelieving people? (12:2)

4. What facts should keep a person from feeling superior or inferior to other Christians? (12:3-6)

5. What did Paul use the human body to illustrate? (12:4-5)

6. What are the gifts of God? (12:6-8)

7. How should each person use his or her gifts? (12:6-8)

8. What makes offering our bodies as living sacrifices an act of worship?

9. To what worldly life-styles or values do we typically conform?

10. How can a Christian renew his or her mind?

11. How can the gifts God bestows on Christians help others in the church or community?

12. What is one step you can take this week toward eliminating habits that merely conform to the world's pattern?

13. How can you put a spiritual gift to work for others this week?

Psalm 105:1-45 Celebrate Together

2008-11-05T12:45:00.000+11:00

Psalm 105:1-45 Celebrate Together

1. How do you feel when you look at old photo albums or record books of your past?

2. What specific instructions does this psalm give to God's people? (105:1-4)

3. What is the main idea of this passage? (105:1-45)

4. How did the Lord demonstrate His faithfulness to Israel? (105:8-41)

5. What conclusion did the psalm writer draw from his meditation on God's goodness? (105:42-45)

6. What specific instructions are given to us in this passage?

7. How should we respond to God's goodness?

8. Why should we tell others about what God has done for us?

9. How could you keep a record of God's faithfulness to you?

Every Day - Lamentations 3:19-39

2008-10-28T10:31:00.006+11:00

Lamentations 3:19-39

1. If you were to portray pain and suffering through poetry, music, or painting, which one medium would you choose? Why?

2. What did the poet recall? (3:19-21)

3. In the middle of lamenting the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, what profound assurance did the writer express? (3:22-24)

4. What virtues were affirmed by the author? (3:25-27)

5. How was God's mercy revealed in suffering? (3:28-33)

6. How did the writer describe the nature of God's knowledge? (3:37-38)

7. What did the writer say about sin and suffering? (3:39)

8. What do you know about the mercies of God in the middle of difficulty?

9. Why does relying on God give you hope?

10. What message of hope can we offer to people who are in despair?

11. When can you spend some time in prayer to thank the Lord for His faithfulness and acts of mercy in your life?

Read Zechariah 4:1-14

12. What was the explanation given concerning the golden lampstand and the two olive trees? (4:1-14)

13. What ministry project are you involved in that you would like to see completed?

Be a Servant

2008-10-06T15:54:00.001+11:00

Suffering and Glory of the Servant
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -
1. What kinds of human suffering are particularly abhorrent and difficult for you to watch?

2. What are the different ways in which a person might attract a following?

3. How did God, through Isaiah's prophecy, characterize the actions of the coming Servant? (52:13)

4. Why was it necessary for a righteous servant to be the bearer of sins?

5. What opposite reactions would people have to the Messiah before and after His suffering? (52:14-15)

6. What sufferings of Jesus (such as those described in Luke 23:1-56) were foretold in Isaiah 53?

7. What was unbelievable about the message of God's chosen deliverance? (53:1-3)

8. What would actually be happening when people were assuming that God was punishing Jesus? (53:4)

9. What would the wounds of the Messiah accomplish for all believers? (53:5)

10. What has God done with the sin of each human being? (53:6)

11. How did Isaiah say that the Messiah would respond to mistreatment and suffering? (53:7)

12. What was God's will in relation to the life of His Son? (53:10)

13. Why did Isaiah say that the Messiah would be exalted and "divide the spoils"? (53:12)

14. What one goal for your relationship with God can you work on in the coming weeks by contemplating His sacrifice for you?

Don't Forget

2008-10-06T15:46:00.004+11:00

Don't Forget
Read Deuteronomy 8

1. What is one thing you tend to be forgetful about?

2. How did the Lord humble the Israelites? (8:3-4)

3. How does God discipline us? (8:5)

4. Why did God want Israel to remember His commands? (8:6-9)

5. How was Israel told not to forget God? (8:10-14)

6. What was Israel commanded to remember about God? (8:17-20)

7. What is the relationship between forgetfulness and responsibility?

8. How do you feel when you have to keep reminding people to do things?

9. What does this section of Scripture teach you about remembering God?

10. What can we humbly give to God for all the blessings He gives us?

11. What is a practical way you can remember God in all you do this week?

Join In

2008-10-01T14:56:00.001+10:00

Join In
Exodus 19:1-9
1. Why do people put up No Trespassing signs?

2. When did the Israelites arrive at the Desert of Sinai? (19:1)

3. What did God tell Moses from the mountain? (19:3-6)

4. How did Moses respond to God's instructions? (19:7)

5. What types of limitations do certain institutions have on our lives?

6. Why does God place certain limitations on our lives?

7. What is one practical way you can follow God's direction for your life?

1 Peter 2:9-10

8. What status did Peter ascribe to believers in Christ? (2:9)

9. What is your ethnic heritage and how has it influenced you?

10. How does our past compare with our present condition? (2:10)

11. How does being chosen by God for a special task make you feel?

12. What are the implications of believers being a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation?

Be a Blessing

2008-09-23T11:17:00.002+10:00

Be a Blessing
Read Genesis 12:1-3

1. What is a significant promise that you have made or that someone has made to you?

2. What did the Lord tell Abram to do? ( Gen 12:1)

3. What did the Lord promise to do for Abram? (Gen 12:2-3)

4. How would you describe the promise the Lord made to Abram? (Genesis 12:1-3)

5. How do you memorialize your significant experiences with God?

Read Galatians 3:3-9

6. Why did Paul ask the Galatians if their suffering had been for nothing? (3:4)

7. On what basis did the Holy Spirit perform miracles? (3:5)

8. How did Paul's use of Abraham as an example of faith strike a blow to the champions of the Law? (3:6-8)

9. What is your relationship to Abraham?

10. What has Christ done for you?

Living Stones - 1 Peter 2:4-12

2008-09-15T10:09:00.004+10:00

1 Peter 2:4-12 - The Living Stone and a Chosen People

1. What is something that is very precious to you?

2. How did God and people treat the living Stone (Christ) differently? (2:4)

3. What will happen to those who trust in the "Cornerstone"? (2:6)

4. How was Christ treated differently by believers and unbelievers? (2:7)

5. In what way did the "Stone" (Christ) cause some people to stumble? (2:8)

6. How does our past compare with our present condition? (2:10)

7. Why is it important for believers to live good lives? (2:12)

8. How is Christ still being rejected by people today? Why?

9. How does being chosen by God for a special task make you feel?

10. What are the implications of believers being a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation?

11. Why is it so hard to abstain from sinful desires?

12. How do you need to change your plans for the near future so that you will be an example to the unbelievers with whom you have regular contact?

Nehemiah 13:1-31 - God's People Must Persevere

2008-09-08T09:42:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 13:1-31 - God's People Must Persevere

1. How good are you at keeping promises?

2. What are the indications in this chapter that the Israelites have slipped away from obeying God?

3. What did the Israelites discover when they read the Book of Moses at the celebration? (13:1-2)

4. What did the people do in response to what they discovered in the Book of Moses? (13:3)

5. What evil deed had Eliashib the priest done? (13:4-5)

6. How did Nehemiah react to Eliashib's sin? (13:7-9)

7. What had forced the Levites to return to their own fields? (13:10)

8. How did Nehemiah choose the men to put in charge of the storerooms? (13:13)

9. Of what sins were the people of Israel guilty? (13:15-16, 23-24)

10. Who has helped keep you accountable in your Christian walk?

11. What does this story reveal about the attitude we should have toward worshiping God?

12. In what ways should our treatment of the Sabbath differ from Old Testament law?

13. How would you like others to help you in dealing with your own sin?

Nehemiah 11:1-12:47 God's People Celebrate a New Beginning

2008-09-01T12:39:00.002+10:00

Nehemiah 11:1-12:47 God's People Celebrate a New Beginning

1. How do you like to spend your weekends?

2. How did Israel celebrate the completion of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem? (12:27-47)

3. What has the Lord done in your life recently that motivates you to praise Him?

4. What does Nehemiah teach us through his example in choosing leaders?

5. What role did prayer play in Nehemiah's life?

6. Who has helped keep you accountable in your Christian walk?

7. How do you need to change your actions or attitudes toward church or worship?

8. When can you take time to pray each day this week?

9. Who is one person who could help keep you accountable in your spiritual life?

Nehemiah 10:1-40 God's People Obey God

2008-08-25T14:42:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 10:1-40 God's People Obey God

1. When is a written contract important?

2. Why did the people of Israel want to make a binding agreement? (9:38)

3. Why did the people separate themselves from their neighbors? (10:28)

4. With what general oath did the people bind themselves? (10:29)

5. What were the specifics of the oath between God and the people of Israel? (10:30-39)

6. What offerings did the people promise to give to the Lord? (10:32-33)

7. Why was it necessary to cast lots? (10:34)

8. In what ways did the people promise to care for the priests and the temple? (10:34-39)

9. What prompted the Israelites to renew their commitment to God?

10. When have difficult circumstances in your life motivated you to seek the Lord?

11. How can it be helpful to write a declaration of commitment to God?

12. What methods can we use to keep ourselves accountable to the promises we make to the Lord?

13. How can we demonstrate thankfulness to the Lord for His forgiveness?

14. Who can help you be accountable to stay true to your intentions to serve God?

Nehemiah 9:1-38 - God's People Confess

2008-08-18T10:13:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 9:1-38 - God's People Confess

1. What's something you've learned the hard way despite clear warnings from others?

2. What specific steps did the people take to restore their relationship with the Lord? (9:1-3)

3. What role did the Levites play in this event? (9:4-5)

4. Why did the Levites offer praise to God? (9:5-15)

5. What were some of the ways God provided for and protected the people of Israel? (9:5-15)

6. According to the Levites, why did the Lord keep His promises? (9:8)

7. What mistake did Israel's forefathers make? (9:16-17)

8. Why did the Lord allow Israel to be oppressed by their enemies? (9:26-27)

9. What request did the Levites present to the Lord? (9:32-36)

10. What sinful pattern did Israel repeat?

11. Why is it our tendency to remember God only in the good times?

12. If you wrote a passage about your own history of walking with the Lord, what themes would you see?

13. When can fasting and praying be beneficial?

14. How does remembering God's provision for you in the past encourage you?

15. What should we do to restore our relationship with the Lord whenever we realize we have been acting selfishly?

16. When can you take some time this week for confession and recommitment to obeying God?

Nehemiah 8:1-18 - God's people Celebrate God's Word

2008-08-12T15:53:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 8:1-18 - God's people Celebrate God's Word

1। When or in what circumstances do you find it easy to be enthusiastic about what you are doing?

2. Why did the people of Israel assemble at the Water Gate? (8:1)

3. What attitude did the people of Israel have toward the Book of the Law? (8:3, 6, 9, 17)

4। What specific steps did Ezra and the other leaders take to make this event practical for everyone? (8:5-8)

5. Why did the leaders declare the day sacred? (8:9)

6. What words of encouragement did Nehemiah offer the people of Israel? (8:10)

7. How had the events of this day changed the lives of the people of Israel? (8:12)

8. What specific instructions did the leaders glean from the Book of the Law? (8:14-15)

9. In what specific ways are Israel's actions in this passage a good model for us today?

10. As Christians what reasons do we have to celebrate?

11. How should we follow the example of the leaders of Israel in this story?

12. What prompts you to praise and worship the Lord?

13. How can we guard against apathy toward God's Word?

14. What specific changes do you want to make in your Bible reading habits this week?

Nehemiah 6:1-14 - God's Place Rebuilt

2008-08-04T10:27:00.001+10:00

Nehemiah 6:1-14 - God's Place Rebuilt

1. When have you ever felt intimidated by someone, and how did it make you feel?

2. What would you tell a child who was being picked on by a bully?

3. What are some of the efforts at intimidation found in this chapter?

4. If you had been Nehemiah what would your reaction have been?

5. What was different about the fifth time Sanballat sent the message to Nehemiah? (6:5-7)

6. What did Nehemiah's opponents assume would be the result of their threats? (6:9)

7. What did Nehemiah think of Shemaiah's advice?
What insight did the Lord give to Nehemiah regarding Shemaiah's advice? (6:11,12)

8. Why didn't Nehemiah back down as his opponents wanted? (6:12-13)

9. What basic principles did Nehemiah follow when he faced opposition?

10. When do you think it is important to fight back, and when is it better to back down?

11. What opposition do you face in your Christian walk?

12. How can we discern insincerity or dishonesty when we see it?

13. To what task or project do you want to recommit your efforts?

14. What specific steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to the responsibilities God has given you?

Nehemiah 5:1-19 - God's People Challenged

2008-07-28T09:31:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 5:1-19 - God's People Challenged

1. What are some reasons people choose not to get involved in social issues?

2. What is the conflict between some of the Jews at the beginning of this story? (5:1-5)

3. What caused the Israelites' problems? (5:3-5)

4. How did Nehemiah react to the Israelites' complaints? (5:6)

5. What accusations did Nehemiah make against the officials? (5:7-11)

6. What action did Nehemiah take on behalf of the Israelites? (5:7-18)

7. How did the officials respond to Nehemiah's accusations? Why? (5:8, 12)

8. In what ways was Nehemiah different from other officials? (5:14-18)

9. What did Nehemiah want in return for his generosity to the Israelites? (5:19)

10. Why do you think Nehemiah sacrificed what he rightfully deserved as a governor?

11. How would you like to contribute to solving a particular social problem that concerns you?

12. What could you do today to encourage a friend who is struggling or hurting?

Nehemiah 3:1-32 God directs and protects

2008-07-21T13:57:00.000+10:00

Nehemiah 3:1-32 God directs and protects

1। When have you most enjoyed working with a team of people?

2. How did the priests set the example for all the Israelites? (3:1)

3. What does the priests' dedication of their work reveal about their motivation? (3:1)

4. What kinds of people were involved in rebuilding Jerusalem? (3:1-32)

5. What does the wide spectrum of people involved reveal about the Israelites' commitment to this project? (3:1-32)

6. Keeping in mind the practical reason for the restoration of the city, why was most of the rebuilding focused on the gates? (3:1-32)

7. Why did the common people of Tekoa have to do double-duty work in rebuilding the walls of the city? (3:5, 27)

8. How did the Israelites decide who would rebuild what? (3:10, 28, 30)

9. What effect do you think this accomplishment had on the people involved?

10. How can you guard against the conceited attitude of the nobles of Tekoa?

11. What does this passage reveal about the best way to accomplish an overwhelming task?

12. What overwhelming challenge do you face?

13. What should we do whenever we finish a big project or experience success?

14. What steps can you take this week to depend on God and others to help you face the challenges in your life?

Nehemiah 2:1-10 - God gives success

2008-07-14T12:42:00.004+10:00

Nehemiah 2:1-10 - God gives success

1. How would you go about asking a big favor of a boss or other influential person?

2. What techniques do people often use to cope with fear?

3. At what time did this story take place? (2:1)

4. How had Nehemiah acted in the king's presence in the past? (2:1)

5. What did the king ask Nehemiah? (2:2)

6. What did Nehemiah have to overcome to give the king an honest answer? (2:2-3)

7. What did Nehemiah do before he told the king what he wanted? (2:4)

8। Why did Nehemiah ask that letters be sent to the governors of Trans-Euphrates? ( 2:7)

9. How did Nehemiah explain the generosity of the king? (2:8)

10. Who was disturbed by Nehemiah's actions? Why? (2:10)

11. How would you describe Nehemiah's actions in this situation?

12. How did Nehemiah demonstrate his dependence on God?

13. What fears do you need to overcome?

14। What can you learn from Nehemiah about the role prayer should play in your everyday life?

15. What specific problem do you want to confront with greater courage this week?

Nehemiah 1:1-11 - God begins the project

2008-06-30T13:07:00.001+10:00

Nehemiah 1:1-11 - God begins the project

1 If you were going through a painful experience, what would you want your friends to do for you?

2. When did the events of this passage take place? (1:1)

3. Why did Nehemiah question his brother? (1:1-2)

4. How did Nehemiah react to the news about Jerusalem and the exiles? (1:4)

5. How did Nehemiah describe God in his prayer? (1:5)

6. What is the major theme of Nehemiah's prayer? (1:5-11)

7. What promise of the Lord could the Israelites claim, according to Nehemiah? (1:9)

8. How did Nehemiah describe the people of Israel in his prayer? (1:10)

9. What specific request did Nehemiah ask God to grant him? (1:11)

10. What admirable traits do you see demonstrated by Nehemiah?

11. What did Nehemiah's prayer accomplish?

12. How do you think you need to change your prayer habits?

13. What can we learn from Nehemiah's example about how to deal with disappointment?

14. How do you plan to react differently to setbacks from now on?