tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43298498138224680442012-02-16T10:45:56.206-08:00David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.comBlogger2431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-66622120106732274632012-02-15T07:15:00.001-08:002012-02-15T07:15:38.958-08:00 <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>What future events are you looking forward to? What future events do you find yourself dreading?<br><br>Compare verses 3-7 with Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2. How do the four beasts seem similar to the four elements of the statue?<br><br>Which world empires are represented by these beasts?<br><br>Read verse 18. How does this verse demonstrate the difference between the kingdoms of men and the kingdom of God?<br><br>How do people sometimes set up their own kingdoms while they live on earth? What kingdoms have you set up for yourself? What would God say to you about your own man-made kingdoms?<br><br>Compare verses 9-14 with Revelation 4 and Revelation 20:11-12. What similarities do you see? Do you think Daniel was seeing the same place as John saw in Revelation? Why or why not?<br><br>What kind of emotions are stirred within you when you think of God's final judgment?<br><br>Who do you think the "more imposing horn" (vs.20-21) represents? Are there people in the world today who act this way?<br><br>What are ways you sometimes find yourself rebelling against God? How can you avoid these kind of situations?<br><br>How many of these prophesies do you think have already come true? Which ones are yet to come? How does this make you feel about the future?<br><br>Read verse 27. How would you rephrase this in your own words? How should the promise of this verse impact the way you live today?<br><br>How is this passage troubling to you? How does it give you hope?<br><br>How can this group pray for you this week?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6662212010673227463?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-22133221549968429122012-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:002012-02-09T11:01:46.764-08:00<div>When have you been rescued by another person? How did you respond to your rescuer? </div><div><br /></div><div>When have you rescued another person? How did they respond to you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Daniel 6 (the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den)</div><div><br /></div>As you read this story, what is your overall impression of King Darius? What were his strengths? What were his weaknesses?<div><br /></div><div>Verses 3 and 4 seem to indicate that some of the rulers were jealous of Daniel. When has your jealousy motivated you to do something you later regretted?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some silly things that have caused you to become jealous in the past? Why do you think we become jealous so easily? </div><div><br /></div><div>The king's decree is found in verse 7. Daniel chose to disobey this decree. When is it okay to disobey the government? When is it not okay?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think Daniel chose to pray in a public place? Why couldn't he have just gone and prayed in a place where no one could see him?</div><div><br /></div><div>According to verse 10, Daniel prayed three times every day. Is it important to have a "prayer routine"? Why or why not? How can a prayer routine be harmful? How can it help?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think God chose to rescue Daniel from the lions? Why does it sometimes seem that God doesn't rescue people?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Darius' decree in verses 26-27. Which statement means the most to you? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Make a list of ways God rescues people. Add to the list the ways he has rescued you.</div><div><br /></div><div>What are three things for which you are thankful?</div><div><br />Close out your time by praying prayers of thanksgiving for God's acts of rescue.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2213322154996842912?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-31443059452580451472012-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:002012-02-01T07:50:41.278-08:00<div>What is an area of life in which you consider yourself to be an "expert?" What is an area of life in which you don't know anything at all?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some things about God that you have a hard time understanding?</div><div><br /></div><div>When you have a question about God, is it better to think about it and figure it out on your own or to seek help? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Daniel 5:1-12</div><div><br /></div><div>What is your initial impression of King Belshazzar? How is he like Nebuchadnezzar? How is he not like Nebuchadnezzar?</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think he hoped to accomplish by throwing this party? When do you find yourself working extra hard to impress the people around you? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?</div><div><br /></div><div>There were likely people of Jewish descent at this party. How do you think they felt when the treasures from the temple were brought out? Why do you think Belshazzar wanted to use those goblets? What did it symbolize to him?</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think is meant by the gods of “gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.”? If you were to describe the gods of our culture, what words would you use?</div><div><br /></div><div>How many times in the book of Daniel do the “wise men” fail when asked to explain something? Why do you think these repeated failures are included in the stories? What can we learn about God and about ourselves from these repeated failures of Babylons wisest men?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>How does one need to live in order to have reputation like Daniel's?</div><div> </div><div>Daniel is often referred to as having the “spirit of the gods” in him. Do we have that same spirit? How should that spirit influence the way we live our life? How do we sometimes resist the work of the Spirit in our lives?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can God's Word help you develop a “keen mind and knowledge and understanding” like Daniel?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>What will you do this week to gain a better understanding of God?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3144305945258045147?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-46723022825307666652012-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:002012-01-25T07:20:33.327-08:00<div>When you hear the word "witness" what do you think about?</div><div><br /></div>What was greatest event that happened to you in the past year? Who did you tell after it happened?<div><br /></div><div>What do you think it means to be a witness for the great things God has done? What kind of testimony would you give about the things He has done for you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Daniel 4:1-3. This was apparently written by King Nebuchadnezzar. How would you summarize his testimony about God?</div><div><br /></div><div>These words spoken by Nebuchadnezzar were the result of a dream he had and the difficult fulfillment of the dream. Read Nebuchadnezzar's description of his dream in Daniel 4:10-17 and then read Daniel's interpretation in verses 19-27.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you were King Nebuchadnezzar, how would you have responded to Daniel? Which of the suggestions Daniel makes in verse 27 would be most difficult for you? Which would be easiest?</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the chapter explains that 12 months later, Nebuchadnezzar's dream came true, and he lost his mind and wandered in the woods and fields for a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think God caused this to happen? Was it a good thing or a bad thing? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why does God sometimes have to bring us low in order to get our attention? What are the benefits we might experience after going through a very difficult experience? How is this encouraging?</div><div><br /></div><div>If God wanted to get your attention, what do you think He would say to you? How can this group help you walk through a difficult time right now? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4672302282530766665?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-64409592138390532462012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:002012-01-23T07:40:00.437-08:00PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Food sacrificed to idols).<div><br /></div><div>DIGGING IN:</div><div><br /></div><div>- What are some of the key words and phrases in this passage?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Who are the primary characters (or types of characters) in this passage?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is the question this passage is designed to answer?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Why does Paul talk about a distinction between knowledge and love? Which is better? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Is this passage more about our love for God or our love for others? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is the most difficult part of this passage to understand?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Try to summarize this passage in one or two sentences.</div><div><br /></div><div>OPENING UP:</div><div><br /></div><div>- Do you tend more toward knowledge or toward love? How is this a strength? How is this a weakness? What can you do to create more balance in your life?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is an area of your life in which your conscience doesn't allow you the same freedom as other believers? How are you trying to resolve this?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is an area of your life in which you feel freedom while the conscience of others does not allow them? How are you trying to resolve this?</div><div><br /></div><div>- How might this passage be misused on occasion? Does this passage give you permission to confront those you think are doing wrong? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What does this passage give you permission to do? What should love for other believers compel you to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>RESOLUTION:</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is an area of your life in which you need to make sacrifices because of your love for other believers?</div><div><br /></div><div>- What is an area of your life in which you need to be less judgmental of other believers?</div><div><br /></div><div>- How can this group help you take the next step in your spiritual journey? How can this group pray for you this week?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6440959213839053246?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-11988678942190177662012-01-20T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-20T07:02:43.464-08:00What is the most miraculous experience you have had? How did you respond afterward?<div><br /></div><div>As a group, read Daniel 3. Have a few people talk about their favorite parts of this story.</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you think you would have responded if you were in the same situation as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?</div><div><br /></div><div>How are people today faced with similar choices as these three (perhaps with less severe consequences)?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think the faith of these three men was so strong?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read verses 16-18. Knowing they were about to be "executed" how difficult do you think it was to say the words, "even if he does not..."?</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever been in a situation when God did not deliver you as you hoped he would? How did you respond?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you think this is a true story? Why or why not? Does it matter?</div><div><br /></div><div>Is God capable of accomplishing a miracle like this? What other miracles in the Bible did God do?</div><div><br /></div><div>Does God still do miracles? Can God still do miracles?</div><div><br /></div><div>If God can still do miracles, how can that change the way we view our own life's difficulties? How can it change the way you respond to life's difficulties?</div><div><br /></div><div>What miracle are you waiting for right now? How can the group pray for you and support you?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1198867894219017766?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-32388669479039859462012-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:50:36.200-08:00This chapter is mostly about a dream God gave to King Nebuchadnezzar. The second part of the chapter records Daniel's interpretation of this fantastic dream. This discussion won't really touch on that part of the chapter, but it is important to point out that the main idea of the dream is that God is control of all kingdoms present and future and He will someday set up an eternal kingdom which will be greater than any kingdom ever create by man.<div><br /></div><div>This study will primarily focus on how Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar responded when they encountered trouble in their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell a story from your childhood about a time you got in trouble. Do you have any stories about getting in trouble even though you were innocent?</div><div><br /></div><div>What types of trouble and suffering do people face in their lives today? Why do you think God allows this? How can good innings happen as a result of our suffering?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Daniel 2:1-12. What was the trouble that King Nebuchadnezzar faced? On whom did he rely to fix his problem? Why do you think he turned to these people?</div><div><br /></div><div>On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the severity of Nebuchadnezzar's trouble? On a s ale of 1-10, how would you rate his reaction? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hve you ever reacted to a problem the way Nebuchadnezzar did? What was the outcome? What would have been a better response?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Daniel 2:13-19. What was the trouble Daniel faced? On whom did he rely to fix his problem? Why do you think he turned this direction?</div><div><br /></div><div>What can we learn from Daniel's response to a pretty serious problem? What can we learn about friends? What can we learn about prayer?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you think Daniel's faith in God enabled him to respond this way? What foundational beliefs do you think Daniel held that empowered him?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some words you would use to describe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> Daniel in this story? How can you make these kind of words a bigger part of His life?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Read Daniel 2:20-23. What can you learn about thanksgiving from Daniel's prayer? What are the things for which you can be grateful tonight?</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3238866947903985946?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-75623042622870260282012-01-06T07:19:00.000-08:002012-01-06T07:29:32.643-08:00<div>What is your favorite food that you know is not good for you? How often do you eat it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Daniel 1 is a story about four young men who chose to obey God by not eating food that was defiled. But it's also about much more. It is about how God actively intervenes in our lives and it is about how we interact with the world around us.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a group, read Daniel 1:1-21.</div><div><br /></div>Why do you think God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Jerusalem? How could the defeat of God's people bring glory to God? How could their defeat have been beneficial for the Jewish people?<div><br /></div><div>When have you experienced a defeat in your life which ultimately was for your benefit? How did you (or didn't you) use the experience to bring glory to God?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think the king changed the names of the Jewish exiles? Why do you think he wanted them to assimilate into Babylonian culture?</div><div><br /></div><div>In what ways are Christians often encouraged to assimilate into the culture of the world? Is this always a bad thing? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>Give an example of a situation in which Christians should not assimilate into the culture of the world. Give an example of a situation in which Christians should assimilate into the culture of the world. How can you find life balance in this issue?</div><div><br /></div><div>Look for all the times God intervenes in this chapter. Make a list. Do you believe God still intervenes in our lives the way He did for Daniel? How are His interventions similar? How are they different?</div><div><br /></div><div>In what ways has God intervened in your life lately? How have you responded to that intervention?</div><div><br /></div><div>As you think about this story, how are you most challenged? How would you use this story to encourage the others in the group? How can the group pray for you this week?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7562304262287026028?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-76661293184009622012011-12-15T09:43:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:58:40.514-08:00<div>How have you recently experienced joy in your life?</div><div><br /></div><div>What situations or realities can sometimes be joy-stealers in your life?</div><div><br /></div>How would you explain the difference between "happiness" and "joy"?<div><br /></div><div>Read Luke 2:8-15.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is your favorite part of this story?</div><div><br /></div><div>Verse 10 says that the angel's message will bring joy for all people. Why would Jesus' birth bring "joy" to people?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of job would be the modern, American equivalent to the shepherds? Do you think the shepherds were content with their lives, or did their lives lack something?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can a lack of contentment lead to a lack of joy?</div><div><br /></div><div>When the shepherds heard that the Messiah had been born, what do you think were the first thoughts they had?</div><div><br /></div><div>How did Jesus meet the needs of the shepherds? How did Jesus meet our needs? How is Jesus the solution for our lack of contentment?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are steps we can take in our lives to be more joy-filled? What things which steal our joy can we eliminate from our lives?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7666129318400962201?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-67136984738891257382011-11-03T08:59:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:08:07.699-07:00<div>Who is a person in your life that makes your life better? How do they do it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read John 10:7-18.</div><div><br /></div>What do you think Jesus means when he refers to himself as "the gate"?<div><br /></div><div>A gate is used to let people (sheep) into a place. What is the place into which Jesus allows us entry? Are there other ways in beside Jesus?</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think Jesus means when he refers to himself as the "good shepherd"?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus compares himself to the thief and the hired hand. What do you think he is trying to teach by making these comparisons?</div><div><br /></div><div>What does Jesus mean when He says, "I lay down my life for the sheep"?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why did Jesus have to die? Why is it important that he rose again (vs.17)?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus said that his sheep know him. How can you know if you are one of Jesus' sheep? How does one become one of Jesus' sheep?</div><div><br /></div><div>In verse 10, Jesus says he wants his sheep to have life "to the full". How do you imagine the "full" life? Does this mean that Jesus' sheep never have any problems? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>How has Jesus made your life better?</div><div><br /></div><div>As a group, use your prayer time to give thanks to God for the things he has done to make your life better.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6713698473889125738?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-21835761676961862742011-11-01T05:57:00.000-07:002011-11-01T06:00:27.288-07:00<div>How would you define the word hope?</div><div><br /></div><div>How does a Christian's understanding of the future give them hope in the present?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Which parts of this passage inspire hope?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Revelation 21:1-7. Which parts of this passage inspire hope?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you need hope in your life today?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2183576167696186274?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-19821083067648619902011-10-31T12:01:00.000-07:002011-10-31T12:25:29.852-07:00<div><b><u>OPENING THOUGHTS:</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><i>In his iconic inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy declared that the "torch has been passed" to a new generation of Americans. He envisioned the ushering in of a golden age because one generation had given way to the next.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>This is not a concept completely foreign to the experience of God's people. We should understand that our responsibility is to constantly be passing the torch to the next generation of God's people. In doing so, we not only ensure the ongoing completion of Jesus' mission, but we guard against becoming inwardly focused ourselves.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Psalm 78 served as a reminder to Israel that they were to pass the knowledge of God's great works on to their children. It was accompanied with a warning, that to neglect this responsibility would cause them to emulate previous generations who had become "stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful."</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>DISCUSSION GUIDE:</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>What is something you love that your family has passed on to you? What are some of the darker sides of your family history?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is one thing you want to pass on to your children? Why? What are you doing right now to make sure that happens?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Psalm 78:1-8.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have several people summarize this passage in their own words.</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some of the things God did for Israel throughout their history? (think about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, etc.) How could you use these stories to teach children about the nature of God?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you had to make a list of the praiseworthy things God has done in your life, what would you include? How have you seen the power of God in your life?</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think are the most important things children need to learn about God? How can we teach them these things?</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with teaching, how can God's people invest in the next generation? What gifts do you have that you could use to invest in the next generation of God's people?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can you avoid becoming like the people in verse 8?</div><div><br /></div><div>An assumption in this passage is that those who do not invest in the next generation eventually become inwardly focused and turn away from God. </div><div><br /></div><div>How are you sometimes tempted to become inwardly focused? How can you avoid this temptation?</div><div><br /></div><div>What can you do today to invest in someone else? What can this group do to make an impact on the next generation of God's people?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1982108306764861990?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-66731828203837989202011-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:002011-10-26T07:44:40.013-07:00<div>When have you been given a second chance? Did you use it well? What was the outcome?</div><div><br />As a group, read John 8:1-11.</div><div><br /></div>Use the following questions to consider this story from the perspective of each of the main characters in this story:<div><br /></div><div>What were the Pharisees and teachers hoping to accomplish in this passage? Why do you think this was their goal? Were they successful? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>What did the Pharisees need? How did Jesus provide what they needed?</div><div><br /></div><div>How are we sometimes like the Pharisees? How should we respond when we find ourselves being like them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Was the woman in this story guilty? Did she deserve to be executed (The Jewish people were still under the law of Moses: Lev. 20:10, Deut. 22:22)?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think Jesus didn't condone or excuse her sin?</div><div><br /></div><div>What did this woman need? How did Jesus provide what she needed?</div><div><br /></div><div>How are we sometimes like the woman? How should we respond when we find ourselves being like her?</div><div><br /></div><div>What was Jesus hoping to accomplish in this passage (read vs.1-2)? Was he successful in accomplishing his goal? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>What does this story teach us about Jesus' personality? How can we be more like the Jesus we see in this story? Who are the people to whom we need to show mercy and whom we need to protect?</div><div><br /></div><div>What problems in your life are brought to mind as you talk about this passage? What actions are you contemplating as you talk about this passage? How can this group help?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6673182820383798920?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-57226497808243020562011-10-19T14:56:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:12:04.831-07:00<div>Who do you know that has a great story of being "set free" from something? How have you seen people's lives changed by their relationship with Christ?</div><div><br /></div><div>As a group, read Luke 4:16-21. The passage in Isaiah (vs.17) is a passage that describes the mission of the coming Messiah. By aligning Himself with this mission, Jesus was identifying Himself as the Messiah.</div><div><br /></div>If you were to identify specific groups of people in the 21st century that are parallel to the ones about whom Jesus is speaking, who would they be (apart from the "obvious" answers)?<div><ul><li>the poor?</li><li>the prisoners?</li><li>the blind?</li><li>the oppressed?</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>As a group, list and discuss the many stories which record how Jesus fulfilled these prophesies during his life. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>What are some ways Jesus accomplished these things spiritually (eg. the spiritually poor, the spiritually blind, etc.)</div><div><br /></div><div>If we want to be like Jesus, how can we take this mission upon ourselves?</div><div><br /></div><div>To which of the four groups of people do you believe you are best equipped to minister? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some specific things you or the group could do to accomplish these kinds of ministry?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you were going to place yourself into one of these categories (poor, prisoner, blind, oppressed), which would it be?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you need Jesus to enact his mission in your life? What can you set aside so that you are open to His work? What do you need to do so that He can complete His work in you?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can this group pray for you and work with you?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5722649780824302056?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-49360107035727627362011-10-14T10:52:00.001-07:002011-10-14T10:52:36.995-07:00<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_9270"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/daverudd/leading-a-discussion" title="Leading A Discussion" target="_blank">Leading A Discussion</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9270" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/daverudd" target="_blank">David Rudd</a> </div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4936010703572762736?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-8202271623256597542011-10-12T08:06:00.000-07:002011-10-12T08:19:32.113-07:00<div>What feelings and thoughts come to mind when you hear the word "betrayal"? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the worst kind of betrayal someone can experience?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Hosea 1:1-9.</div><div><br /></div>Why do you think God gave these strange instructions to Hosea? If God told you to marry someone who would be unfaithful to you, would you obey? Why or why not?<div><br /></div><div>While Gomer's first son was Hosea's, it appears her next two children were someone else's. How do you think Hosea felt, knowing these were "children of unfaithfulness"? How do you think you would respond in that situation?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hosea's relationship with Gomer is symbolic of God's relationship with Israel. God was warning Israel that their unfaithfulness would soon have severe consequences.</div><div><br /></div><div>In what way do you think Israel was being unfaithful to God? How are Christians today unfaithful to God? How are you tempted to be unfaithful to God?</div><div><br /></div><div>Was it okay for God to tell Israel that He would no longer love them? Why or why not? Why do you think He was still going to show love to the house of Judah (vs.7)?</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, God's prophesies came true as the nation of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrian empire. Those 10 tribes have never again united as a kingdom even to this day (modern day Israel is descended from the nation of Judah).</div><div><br /></div><div>Read verse 10-11. How do these verses make you feel? Do you think this prophesy will be fulfilled literally or figuratively? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Did Israel deserve this promise? Why or why not? How did the life and death of Jesus enable this promise to be fulfilled?</div><div><br /></div><div>How does this promise from God give you hope for your future?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can the group encourage you tonight to look forward to the future?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-820227162325659754?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-80056654329795123512011-10-10T07:33:00.000-07:002011-10-10T07:37:15.806-07:00Truth we discover on our own is almost always better retained than truth which is told to us. This is not an argument against the effectiveness of a sermon (the Bible records numerous times in which the Holy Spirit worked powerfully through the preaching of a sermon), rather it is a reminder that we sometimes need to be focused on helping people discover God's truth by themselves. One of the most powerful ways to accomplish this is through asking questions.<br /><br />Even if you are following a study guide that provides questions for you, sometimes it is helpful to go "off the map" in a quest to help people think more deeply through the topic. Here are some guidelines to help you as you use questions to enable growth:<br /><br />1. Use questions to follow up people’s answers. (examples as follow)<br /><i><blockquote>“Can you give me an example or two about…?”<br />“What do you mean by that?”<br />“Why do you believe that?”<br />“What is the basis for your conclusions/feelings?”<br />“Would you explain again what you just said for us?”<br />“What are your feelings about that?”</blockquote></i>2. Sometimes it’s beneficial to specifically redirect the conversation to someone else. (examples follow)<br /><blockquote><i>“Jane, what do you think about what Alex just said?”<br />“Let’s hear what Bob thinks.”<br />“John, you have some great input on this topic. I wonder if anyone else has something to add?”</i></blockquote>3. Don’t be afraid of silence.<br /><br />4. Don’t be afraid of robust disagreement.<br /><br />5. Don’t be afraid of asking others to contribute.<br /><br />6. Don’t be afraid to “manipulate” the conversation.<br /><i><blockquote>"Let me throw in my opinion here..."<br />"Let's take this in another direction..."<br />"Maybe we need to consider this from another angle..."</blockquote></i>7. Don’t be afraid to let the conversation go “off course”.<br /><br />8. Don’t be afraid to stop for prayer in the middle of a discussion.<br /><br />9. Don’t be afraid to run out of time.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >These thoughts were originally posted at <a href="http://creative-community.org">Creative-Community</a>.</span></i></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8005665432979512351?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-29628215774383680182011-10-06T19:45:00.000-07:002011-10-06T19:53:25.421-07:00As a group, read the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12. Have everyone in the group spend some time writing down their own answers to these questions. Then discuss your answers.<br /><br />1. Choose one word to describe each of this stories main characters.<br /><br />David<br /><br />Bathsheba<br /><br />Uriah<br /><br />Joab<br /><br />Nathan<br /><br />2. Do you FEEL like justice was done in this story? Why or why not?<br /><br />3. What is one important lesson that can be learned from this story?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2962821577438368018?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-69511256719957184952011-10-05T06:16:00.000-07:002011-10-05T06:26:23.468-07:00<div>Who is the most influential person you know? Why are they so influential? How have they used their influence for other's benefit? How have they used it for their own benefit?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read 1 Kings 11:1-6</div><div><br /></div>How is Solomon's temptation in 1 Kings 11:1 a reflection of his father David's sins? <div><br /></div><div>In verse 2, God told the Israelites not to intermarry because their spouses would turn their hearts toward idolatry. </div><div><br /></div><div>Did God's prediction come true? (read verses 3-6) Why do you think Solomon was so easily swayed into idolatry? Why do you think spouses hold this kind of influence?</div><div><br /></div><div>How has your family influenced you positively throughout your life? How has your family influenced you negatively? What are you doing to be a positive influence on your spouse and children?</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently, Solomon's wives were able to influence him more significantly than God's law. What things in your life have the potential to have a greater influence on you than God's law? How might your family get in the way of you serving God?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The people with whom you spend the majority of your time, will be the ones who influence the majority of your life. What character traits should you look for in the people who influence you? How can you be a positive influence on those around you?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>How can you tell whether or not you are influencing someone or being influenced by them?</div><div><br /></div><div>What can this group do to be a more positive influence on your life? What can you do this week to be a positive influence on this group?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6951125671995718495?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-18672014175869114402011-09-28T10:11:00.000-07:002011-09-28T10:20:14.216-07:00As a group review the David and Bathsheba story from 2 Samuel 11. Make sure the whole group is familiar with the details of the story.<div><br /></div><div>Who are the victims in this story (there are several options)? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Create a list of all the sins David commits during the course of this story. How many of the 10 commandments does he break?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do David's failures make you feel about yourself? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What specifically should David have done (perhaps there are several things he should have done?) once he realized Bathsheba was pregnant? Why do you think he didn't take that course of action?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do some people have a hard time admitting they are wrong?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read 2 Samuel 12:1-10.</div><div><br /></div><div>Would you have wanted to be Nathan? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever had someone confront you about a sin you were committing? How did you respond?</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever had to confront someone about a sin they were committing? How did they respond?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you know when it is and is not appropriate to confront someone else about sin?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can this group do a better job of holding one another accountable? How can we do this and still be gracious and merciful?</div><div><br /></div><div>How should we pray together tonight?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1867201417586911440?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-45892939132140545962011-09-21T08:35:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:44:28.093-07:00<div>Who is the most stubborn person you know? How do you deal with them?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are the things about which you are most stubborn? Why?</div><div><br /></div>As a group, can you name the ten plagues God sent against Egypt? (Check Exodus 7-12 to see if you get them right)<div><br /></div><div>After every plague hit, Pharaoh would "repent" and ask Moses to make the plague stop. Obviously his repentance was not heartfelt, because the Bible tells he would repeatedly harden his heart after the plagues ended.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever known someone who was "hard-hearted"? What made them that way? How should a Christian act toward someone whose heart is hardened toward the things of God?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you think that the lives of Christians sometimes cause others to harden their hearts toward God? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>How could a Christian's lifestyle help to soften someone's heart towards God?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is true repentance? How can you tell the difference between false repentance and true repentance?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why is repentance necessary in the life of a Christian?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kinds of things sometimes keep people from repenting? Do you think that everyone is stubborn in some way? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the solution for stubbornness?</div><div><br /></div><div>Can stubbornness ever be a good thing? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>Spend some time as a group being quiet, and allow everyone the opportunity to pray on their own. Encourage them to talk to God about the things about which they are being stubborn. Give them the opportunity to engage in repentance if needed.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4589293913214054596?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-78065728938770703372011-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:35:54.054-07:00<b>Study Thoughts:</b><div><br /></div><div>Matthew 21:23-32 consists of two sections. The first section chronicles a temple confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders. The second section is a story Jesus tells in which he uses the confrontation to talk about entrance to the Kingdom of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>The confrontation happened in Jerusalem. Jesus was there to celebrate the Passover and as He always did, he began teaching. This time, he was doing so at the temple. By this time, Jesus had been conflicting more and more with the religious leaders, largely because his life and his teaching were clearly pointing to the moral bankruptcy of the current leaders in Israel. As such, they could sense their own authority eroding. Their question in verse 23 (Who gave you this authority?) is less a question about Jesus' relationship to God and more an indictment that He needed to stop usurping their authority.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus answered their question with a question they couldn't answer. While they knew the proper answer to the question, they were aware that they could not answer it without casting further dispersion on their own lives (read verses 25-27). After refusing to answer Jesus question, He responded by refusing to answer their question.</div><div><br /></div><div>He did, however, offer up a story which served to further demonstrate the leader's inadequate standing before God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Verses 28-30 tell the story. Verses 31-32 unpack the truth of the story. Here it is in a nutshell:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Those who obey God are bearing the true fruits of repentance (a key phrase from John the Baptist's ministry).</div><div>2) Those who only talk about God or are self-proclaimed "experts" on God are not bearing the true fruits of repentance.</div><div>3) True repentance is the key that opens the gate into the kingdom of God.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Discussion Questions:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Who do you consider to be a "spiritual leader" in your life? Who is a person you know whom you consider to be a "spiritual giant"? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kinds of people do you consider to be "far from God?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Read Matthew 21:23-32.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who are the "villains" in this passage? Who are the "good guys?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think the leaders asked Jesus about His authority? Do you think they were concerned that He wasn't from God, or do you think they were concerned about their own authority? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kinds of situations tempt you to assert or defend your own authority unnecessarily?</div><div><br /></div><div>How would you have answered the leaders if you had been Jesus? Would your answer have been as effective? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>Verse 25 makes it clear that these men did not follow the teaching of John the Baptist. Why do you think they didn't? What parts of his teaching were difficult to follow? (Read his message in Matthew 3:7-12)</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the main point Jesus is making in the story he tells?</div><div><br />If he were telling this story today, what kind of people would he name instead of "tax collectors" and "prostitutes"? (maybe he'd still say "tax collectors and prostitutes"?)</div><div><br /></div><div>How should this story change the way you look at people? How might it change the way you look at yourself?</div><div><br /></div><div>Words don't always demonstrate our true beliefs. How do our lives demonstrate our faith? (in the story, the older son had faith and the younger son didn't)</div><div><br /></div><div>How have the words of Jesus caused you to think about your own life today? How can this group pray for you?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7806572893877070337?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-80324359933425969552011-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:002011-09-14T12:07:44.000-07:00<div>The goal of Small Groups is SPIRITUAL FORMATION of the members. If people in the group are not being formed by the Spirit into the image of the Son, then the group is not worth having. One of the Bible's great passages about spiritual formation is Colossians 3. It includes some vivid pictures of the necessary work if we are to become like Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>We must remember when we read these passages that the “you” is plural. Paul did not have the individual in mind first and foremost, he had the community in mind. Again, it is fair to say that God’s intent is for us to be formed in his image within a community where our individuality can truely become all it was meant to become.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spiritual Formation from Colossians 3. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Put to death</b></div><div><ul><li>Sexual immorality</li><li>Impurity</li><li>Lust</li><li>Evil Desires</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rid Yourselves</b></div><div><ul><li>Anger</li><li>Rage</li><li>Malice</li><li>Slander</li><li>Filthy language</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Clothe yourselves</b></div><div><ul><li>Compassion</li><li>Kindness</li><li>Humility</li><li>Gentleness</li><li>Patience</li></ul></div><a href="http://davidrudd.pbwiki.com/f/spiritual+disciplines+in+colossians+3.pdf">A Small Group WorkSheet Based on These Lists</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8032435993342596955?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-81602375438233926242011-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:002011-09-14T07:22:11.714-07:00What is your favorite family tradition? What is your least favorite family tradition?<br /><br />What character traits have you inherited from your parents? Are these good or bad?<br /><br />Divide into three groups. Have each group read one of the following stories and then answer the following four questions. After about fifteen minutes, come back together and discuss your answers.<br /><br />Group one: Genesis 20:1-18<br />Group two: Genesis 26:1-16<br />Group three: Genesis 27:1-38<br /><br />Who are the primary characters in this story? Are they an example to follow or an example to avoid?<br /><br />What do you think motivated the main characters deception? Do good intentions make lying okay? Why or why not?<br /><br />What were the consequences of this person's deception?<br /><br />How is God demonstrated as merciful in this story?<br /><br />Come back together, discuss your answers, and then answer the following questions:<br /><br />Do you think Abraham was at all responsible for the deceptive habits of Isaac and Jacob? Why or why not?<br /><br />What kinds of "generational sins" are present in our society? What kind of impact do they have?<br /><br />How can someone avoid making the mistakes their parents made?<br /><br />How can someone avoid passing their own sins on to their children?<br /><br />Should parents talk to their children about the generational sins in their family? Why or why not? Is there a more advantageous time for a conversation like this?<br /><br />Spend time as a group praying for the spiritual protection of your children and the generations to follow.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8160237543823392624?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-68260609843173652422011-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:002011-09-13T08:57:50.162-07:00<div><b>Study Thoughts:</b></div><div><br /></div>Philippians 1:21-30 is broken into two sections. The first section consists of Paul's answer to the question, "Is it better to live or to die?" The second section builds on this by answering the question, "If I am going to live, how should I live?" His answers are simple, and yet profound. <div><br /></div><div>He determines that while death is selfishly preferable because it means enjoying the presence of the Lord, life is the correct choice because it provides opportunity to benefit others. The unspoken truth here is that life is not worth living if it is only lived for one's own benefit.</div><div><br /></div><div>In verses 27-30 he reminds the Philippians that they are citizens of a different kingdom. This passage is similar to 1 Peter 2:11-12. He calls on them to live as if they are citizens of heaven, and then uses the following verses to paint a picture of what that looks like. I see at least three character traits of the citizens of heaven: they are unified, they are gospel-centered, they are fearless.</div><div><br /></div><div>This discussion guide will focus on the first half of the passage. I'll cover the second part of the passage later.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Discussion Questions:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What was the greatest day of your life? What made it so great?</div><div><br /></div><div>What was the most difficult day of your life? How did you get through it?</div><div><br /></div><div>When you think of heaven, to what do you most look forward? What questions do you have about heaven?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Philippians 1:21-23. What do you like about these verses? What raises questions?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of things would have driven Paul to be having these kind of thoughts? (read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10)</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever experienced the kind of feelings Paul writes about in these verses? How did you deal with them?</div><div><br /></div><div>When you think about being in the presence of the Lord, are you excited or terrified? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Philippians 1:24-26. Why did Paul decide it was better to remain present on the earth?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Life is not really worth living if you are only living it for yourself!</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>How has someone impacted your life because they were focused on your benefit instead of their own?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are some simple ways you can be more others focused in your life?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can this group be more others focused? What are some things we can do to bring benefit to our church, our community, or our workplaces?</div><div><br /></div><div>How will we pray for one another this week?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6826060984317365242?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-80832953917641273942011-08-31T10:50:00.000-07:002011-08-31T11:00:53.214-07:00If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?<div> <br /></div><div>Who is one person you can always trust?<div> <br /></div><div>When you hear the word "permanent", do you have a positive or negative reaction? Why?</div><div> <br /></div><div>As a group, read 1 Corinthians 13:7 together (NIV version below).</div><div> <br /></div><div>"It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres."</div><div> <br /></div><div>The simple truth of this verse is that love lasts forever. Paul uses four different words here to describe the kinds of things love continues to do permanently (this is why brides and grooms say, "'Til death do us part."</div><div> <br /></div><div>Which of these four words do you like best? Why?</div><div> <br /></div><div>With which of these four words do you have the easiest time? With which of these four words do you have the most difficult time?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Talk about a time someone has shown you the kind of love described in this verse. How did it impact your life?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Give an example of the things from which love protects others.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Is it ever okay to not "trust" someone? Why or why not?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Talk about a time when you have had a difficult time hoping the best for someone. How did you handle that struggle? How do you wish you had handled it?</div><div> <br /></div><div>As a group, make a list of ideas which might help people to persevere (or endure) in love even when others make it difficult.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Think of one relationship in your life, and commit to find a way this week to show that person the kind of love discussed in 1 Corinthians 13:7. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8083295391764127394?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-18636837199365352792011-08-30T12:45:00.000-07:002011-09-06T11:01:35.848-07:00Key Ideas:<div>Paul has spent the first 11 chapters of Romans laying out His understanding of the Gospel and the nature of God's salvation. Beginning in chapter 12, he begins to discuss the implications of salvation. In chapter 13, he is giving very simple and practical instructions for life to those who have accepted God's salvation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Verses 8-14 cover two related issues. The first is "How do we treat our neighbors?" The second is "How do we live among our neighbors?" Our relationship with our neighbors is to be characterized by love because that is what Moses taught in the law, and it is what Christ commanded. Our behavior in front of our neighbors is to be characterized by light, not be darkness (1 John is full of this kind of language). Living in the light is most easily simplified by suggesting that those deeds which we do in private, but not public are most likely the actions of darkness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Discussion Guide:</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the best hiding place you ever used when playing "hide and seek"?</div><div><br /></div><div>When have you had a secret you kept from others? Have you ever been hurt by the secrets of others?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Romans 13:8-14.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think it means to "love your neighbor"? Are we required to love everyone around us?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read verse 9. How are each of these commandments based upon love? How does a lack of love lead to other kinds of sins?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think Paul talks about evil deeds as being darkness and good deeds as being light? </div><div><br /></div><div>*Rule of Thumb for life: If you are trying to hide the thing you are doing, then perhaps you shouldn't be doing it!*</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think it means to "clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ?" (vs.14) If Jesus had a sports team, what would their jersey look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of lifestyle would cause people to immediately identify you as a follower of Jesus? What needs to change in your life so this will be true of you?</div><div><br /></div><div>How will you demonstrate love to those around you this week?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1863683719936535279?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-17141065733695153722011-08-24T09:19:00.000-07:002011-08-24T09:20:02.107-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">What do the words "tough love" cause you to think about? <br /> <br />Talk about a time you were the recipient of tough love. Talk about a time you had to give tough love. How did things turn out? <br /> <br />As a group, read 1 Corinthians 13:6 together. (NIV is below so you can all have the same translation) <br /> <br />"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." <br /> <br />What do you think it means to "delight in evil?" <br /> <br />What are some examples of people who celebrate when bad things happen? What are some examples of people who encourage others to do wrong? How might we sometimes accidentally encourage others to do wrong? <br /> <br />Is it okay for Christians to celebrate when someone like Osama Bin Laden or Adolph Hitler is killed? Why or why not? <br /> <br />What are ways people sometimes unwittingly give approval to wrong-doing? Have you ever been encouraged by someone else to do something wrong? How did you respond? <br /> <br />What do you think it means to "rejoice with the truth?" <br /> <br />Does love always tell people the truth? Why or why not? <br /> <br />Give examples of situations in which the loving thing is to tell someone a difficult truth? Why is this sometimes hard to do? What are the excuses people sometimes use to avoid these kind of discussions? <br /> <br />Is it more difficult to give loving, corrective advice or to receive it? Why? <br /> <br />What are some things people should try to do when they have to give loving and true advice that might be hurtful? <br /> <br />What do you need to do this week to bring more loving truth into your life? How can this group pray for you?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1714106573369515372?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-27822042673799586162011-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:002011-08-17T09:18:08.540-07:00When do you have a hard time loving people? Why? What do you do when you know you should love someone, but really don't want to? <br /> <br />As a group read 1 Corinthians 13:5 together. Answer the following questions about this verse? <br /> <br />What does this verse teach us about the character of God? <br /> <br />How did Jesus demonstrate (or not demonstrate) the kind of love discussed in this verse? Can you think of specific examples? <br /> <br />Which of these descriptions of love is your favorite? Why? <br /> <br />Which of these descriptions of love is easiest to live out? Why? Which is most difficult? Why? <br /> <br />Talk about a time in your life when your selfishness harmed a relationship? <br /> <br />Talk about a time in your life when someone else's selfishness harmed their relationship with you. <br /> <br />What do you think it means to not keep track of someone else's wrongs? Is this a command to let yourself be abused? Why or why not? <br /> <br />Try to think of Bible passages which are helpful in discerning the line between being a forgiving person and allowing yourself to be consistently abused. <br /> <br />Take time to pray for each other and to commit yourselves to being a more loving group.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2782204267379958616?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-4164610741928607322011-08-15T07:55:00.000-07:002011-08-15T08:07:24.155-07:00<div><b><i>Psalm 124: Passage Summary</i></b></div><div> <br /></div><b>Eternal Truth:</b> The LORD is on our side. He is the creator of heaven and earth.He protects us and sustains us. Without Him we would be devoured and destroyed. He has enabled us to escape from those who would entrap and exterminate us. <div> <br /></div><div><b>Internal Truth:</b> Our hope is in the LORD.</div><div> <br /></div><div><b>External Truth:</b> We cannot trust in others to sustain us. We cannot trust in ourselves to sustain us. We can generously love those around us, because we are trusting in God to provide us with all we need.</div><div> <br /></div><div><b><i>Questions for discussion:</i></b></div><div> <br /></div><div>Who do you know that is currently trusting in you for something? Are you worthy of their trust?</div><div> <br /></div><div>When have you trusted someone or something only to be disappointed?</div><div> <br /></div><div>How trustworthy is God? Why?</div><div> <br /></div><div>As a group, read Psalm 124:1-8.</div><div> <br /></div><div>When have you experienced someone "rising up against you" or "having their wrath kindled against you"? What did you do?</div><div> <br /></div><div>How do you feel when you know that someone is out to get you? If Jesus were to speak directly to you in those times, what do you think He would say?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Does it bring any comfort to know that the LORD is on our side? Why or why not? Can we know that He is on our side? Why or why not?</div><div> <br /></div><div>What does it mean that our HOPE is in the LORD? What are some other things or people in which we sometimes place our hope?</div><div> <br /></div><div>What is one thing in your life that you can hand over to God today? How can this group support you in that effort?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-416461074192860732?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-42143957581002136412011-08-10T07:56:00.000-07:002011-08-10T08:10:47.524-07:00<div><div>When is a time in your life when you have felt loved?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Make a list of words that are synonyms for "love."</div><div> <br /></div><div>As a group, read 1 Corinthians 13:4 aloud together. (below is the NIV version so you'll all be on the same page)</div><div> <br /></div><div><i><blockquote>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.</blockquote></i></div><div> <br /></div><div>Using each of the descriptions of love (patient, kind, envy, boast, proud), have someone in the group talk about a time someone treated them this way. How did it impact them?</div><div> <br /></div><div>How has God demonstrated patience and kindness toward humanity throughout history? How has God demonstrated patience and kindness to the specific members of this group?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Why can envy be harmful in a relationship? What do you think is the positive virtue that is the opposite of envy? How can this be beneficial in a relationship?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Have each person in the group silently read the verse to themselves, but substitute their own name for love. (example: "John is patient, John is kind. He does not envy...)</div><div> <br /></div><div>Which of the statements is the most difficult to make? Why?</div><div> <br /></div><div>Have each person think of one relationship in which they need to practice some of these principles. Allow a few to share how they will do that this week.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Instead of praying for your group's needs, spend time praying for the people towards whom your group needs to demonstrate more love.</div><div> <br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4214395758100213641?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-20132515401785021412011-08-03T09:30:00.000-07:002011-08-03T09:41:42.541-07:00What is something you hope to accomplish in the next year?<div><br /></div><div>What is the next great milestone in life you are hoping to reach?</div><div><br /></div><div>Who is someone you hope will come to your aid when you are in trouble?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why is hope a good thing? When can hope be a bad thing?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Acts 28:11-20.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think Paul meant when he said, "It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."? What do you think is the "hope of Israel"?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Jeremiah 14:7-9. What did Jeremiah hope the LORD would do for Israel?</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul believed that Jesus fulfilled God's promises to Israel, and was therefore the fulfillment of the "Hope of Israel."</div><div><br /></div><div>How does Jesus life, death, and resurrection give us hope for the future? How should our future hope impact the way we live today?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is going on right now that causes you to lose hope? To what part of your life do you need to apply the future hope provided by Jesus?</div><div><br /></div><div>How can the members of this group help to restore your hope? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2013251540178502141?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03025765446712893098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-53110325813224645352011-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:002011-07-28T07:29:14.291-07:00When you need a really strong person to help you with something, whom do you call? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you simply weren't strong enough to accomplish something? What did you do?<br /><br />What do you think it means that God is the "most powerful" being in existence? Are there any limits on God's strength?<br /><br />Break out into three different groups and assign each group one of the following passages:<br /><ul><li>Acts 19:8-20</li><li>Acts 19:23-41</li></ul>Have each group read and study their passage and then answer the following questions:<br /><ul><li>What good thing(s) is God doing in this passage?</li><li>Who or what is opposed to God in this passage? Why?</li><li>How is God demonstrated to be "most powerful" in this passage?</li></ul>Have everyone in the group talk about something good that God has done for them in the past few weeks.<br /><br />How have you recently experienced opposition in life (either from people or circumstances)? What advice does the group have for you?<br /><br />How have you sometimes (probably unknowingly) opposed God with your life? How can you avoid being someone who is opposing the will of God?<br /><br />Why is it encouraging to be reminded that God is more powerful than anything else in creation? How will this reminder specifically change your life in the coming weeks?<br /><br />Has there ever been a time in your life in which God intervened in a way you didn't expect? How did you respond? <br /><br />What is one are of your life in which you are hoping God will intervene? In what ways has He already done so? How can the group pray for you this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5311032581322464535?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-60210970924195530922011-07-21T07:28:00.000-07:002011-07-21T07:28:06.179-07:00What is your favorite song? Why do you like it?<br /><br />What is a song that inspires you?<br /><br />What is a song that comforts you?<br /><br />Read Acts 16:16-40.<br /><br />If you were Paul or Silas, how would you feel about being wrongfully thrown in prison. What would you say to the other prisoners or to the guards?<br /><br />If you were convicted and imprisoned falsely, how would you feel about God? What would you say to Him?<br /><br />What are some other ways (besides prison) that people seem to suffer undeservedly? When have you felt like you were suffering for something you didn't do?<br /><br />Why do you think Paul and Silas sang? What types of songs do you think they sang?<br /><br />When the earthquake hit and the prison doors opened, why do you think Paul and Silas leave? Would it have been wrong for them to leave? Do you think they were simply looking out for the good of the jailer?<br /><br />What was the ultimate result of their selflessness? Do you think we would see more people accept Christ if we acted more selflessly in the world? Why or why not? How might our response to suffering cause others to reconsider their opinion of Jesus?<br /><br />How do you need to respond to this study? Is there someone you need to act more selflessly toward? Do you need to respond differently to suffering?<br /><br />How can this group help you in this process?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6021097092419553092?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-6672235861023477332011-07-20T10:19:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:19:15.961-07:00Talk about a time you have felt close to God. What were the factors that caused this? How often have you felt this way? <br /><br />As a group, make a list of the attributes of God described by Paul in his sermon.<br /><br />Why do you think Paul pointed out that God does not need to be served by human hands? What are some things that people sometimes wrongly assume God "needs"?<br /><br />Why do you think Paul said that God wanted men to seek and reach out for God? How does one reach out for God?<br /><br />If God is not far from us (vs.27) why do we sometimes feel he is a long way off? How should we act when we feel a long way from God?<br /><br />If Jesus is the standard by which all men will be judged (vs.31), how can anyone avoid being declared guilty?<br /><br />Although the expression "in Christ" is not used in this passage, what significance does it hold for those who are "in Him" at the final judgment ?<br /><br />People responded to Paul in three different ways (rejection, curiosity, belief). Have group members talk about when they've experienced these kind of responses when talking about Jesus.&nbsp; Should it surprise or discourage us when people reject Jesus? Why and why not?<br /><br />What can Paul's example teach us about sharing Christ with others? What are the reasons people sometimes choose not to share Christ with those around them? Does anyone have any encouraging stories of times they've talked about Jesus to others?<br /><br />Spend some time as a group praying that God would give you courage this week as you seek to represent God to the world?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-667223586102347733?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-86630537354376242572011-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:002011-06-29T10:51:53.523-07:00Who is the most generous person you know? How do they show their generosity?<br /><br />When was the last time someone treated you in a generous manner? How did you feel about it? How did you respond? What difference did it make in your life?<br /><br />As a group, read Acts 11:19-30.<br /><br />Make a list of all the people/groups who act generously in this passage (there are at least 3-4).<br /><br />How was the church in Jerusalem generous? How was Barnabas generous toward the church in Antioch? How was Barnabas generous toward Saul? How was the church in Antioch generous?<br /><br />What other examples of generosity did you see in this passage?<br /><br />Why do you think Barnabas went to find Saul and bring him to Antioch? How did Saul's presence benefit the church in Antioch?<br /><br />What is the worst nickname you have ever had? Did you earn it? Have you ever had a nickname that you liked? Did you earn that one?<br /><br />Why do you think the people in Antioch started using the nickname "Christians" to describe the followers of Jesus there?<br /><br />What nicknames do you think people have for Christian's today? Do we earn all these? As a follower of Christ, what is a nickname of which you would be ashamed? What is a nickname of which you would be proud?<br /><br />How might the generosity of Christians lead them to have a "good name" in the community? Have you ever known a church that wasn't generous? Did that change the way they were thought of in the community?<br /><br />What are some simple ways we can seek to be more generous this week? How can our group be a more generous group?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8663053735437624257?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-82120231443186489852011-06-22T05:58:00.000-07:002011-06-22T05:58:49.338-07:00What are the top three life changing events you have experienced in your life? Were the changes positive or negative? Why?<br /><br />How are you different today than you were 10 years ago? What things contributed to that change?<br /><br />As a group, read the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9:1-31.<br /><br />What words would you use to describe Saul before his conversion? Do you think his intentions were good or bad? Why?<br /><br />What result did Saul's actions have on the church?<br /><br />Why do you think Jesus said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting." How was Saul persecuting Jesus?<br /><br />Americans don't face the same kind of religious persecution as many others in the world. How do American Christians suffer persecutions? Do you think American Christians ever persecute each other? How?<br /><br />How do some Christians inadvertently persecute other believers? How do you think Jesus feels when Christians are fighting with one another?<br /><br />Saul's conversion moved him from being blind to being able to see. How are people blinded before they encounter Jesus? How were you blind before you encountered Jesus? What can you see more clearly today as a result of your relationship with Jesus?<br /><br />How did Saul's conversion ultimately affect the church (verse 31). Have you ever thought about how your life impacts the church? How can you contribute to the church in a way that will bring peace and growth? How can you avoid inadvertently persecuting others in the church?<br /><br />How can this group be a peace-giving group?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8212023144318648985?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-63591189553344591092011-06-15T08:01:00.000-07:002011-06-15T08:01:28.872-07:00What are some of the objects in your house which have special meaning to you? How do you treat those objects? What rules do you have for others (children) regarding these objects?<br /><br />Do you ever have projects for which you set money aside? For what are you setting aside money right now?<br /><br />What do you think it means to be "set apart" as a person?<br /><br />Read Judges 13:1-14. (this is the story of Samson)<br /><br />What parts of this passage seem to be similar to the birth of Jesus (particularly Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38)?<br /><br />Can you think of any other parts of Samson's life that are parallel to Jesus' life? What about his death?<br /><br />What was the purpose for which God wanted Samson to be set apart? What was the most important thing He wanted Samson to accomplish? Did Samson accomplish this?<br /><br />Based on what you know about Samson, make a list of some of his flaws. What were some of the mistakes he made during his life?<br /><br />Were Samson's flaws and mistakes worse than the flaws and mistakes in your life? Why or why not?<br /><br />Has God set you apart to do anything unique?<br /><br />Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Samson was set apart to deliver Israel. Those who have been made new in Christ are also set apart to be deliverers.<br /><br />To what groups of people are you to be a deliverer?&nbsp; From what do they need deliverance?<br /><br />Despite Samson's flaws, in some ways he was a representation of Jesus. Can you be a representation of Jesus despite your flaws? How?<br /><br />This week, how will you represent Jesus to the people around you? How will you be a deliverer? How can this group help you accomplish these goals?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6359118955334459109?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-88031712227387010802011-06-08T05:29:00.000-07:002011-06-08T05:29:43.403-07:00What is the worse promise you have ever made? Why did you make it? How did it turn out?<br /><br />Talk about a promise you have made that you ended up breaking? Did you feel like you NEEDED to break it, or just that you WANTED to break it?<br /><br />Judges 11 tells another story of Israel falling away from God and coming under captivity from a foreign king. This time, the deliverer raised up by God is Jephthah. He has an interesting back-story which is worth reading in Judges 11:1- 28. The enemy Israel is battling in this story is the Ammonites.<br /><br />Read Judges 11:29-40. How do you feel about this story?<br /><br />(These kind of vows and sacrifices weren't uncommon in the ancient world. According to the Canaanites, their god, Molech, demanded that children be occasionally sacrificed to him)<br /><br />Was Jephthah right to make this vow to God? Was he right to keep the vow? Why do you think this story is in the Bible?<br /><br />Is the story of Jephthah given to us as an example? Why or why not?<br /><br />Sometimes we make promises (or vows) too quickly. What causes people to make rash decisions? When have you made a decision too quickly and later regretted it?<br /><br />Read Proverbs 20:25. What do you think this verse means? How does it apply to Jephthah? How does it apply to you?<br /><br />Read Psalm 119:9-16. These verses give a recipe for making wise decisions. Using your own words, make a list of the pieces of advice given here. How can following this advice help you to avoid foolish promises and decisions?<br /><br />What difficult decision do you need to make in the coming days? What bad decision do you know you need to avoid? How will you approach this decision from a biblical perspective? How can this group help you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8803171222738701080?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-30448266756212713732011-06-01T09:29:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:29:45.429-07:00Read Judges 6:33-40.<br /><br />Do you think Gideon was right or wrong to keep asking God for signs of confirmation? Why?<br /><br />In Matthew 4:7, Jesus told Satan not to test God. (He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:16)<br /><br />What do you think is the difference between "testing God" and "questioning God"?<br /><br />How can you figure out what God's will is for you in the future? How do you determine what God wants you to do when you are in a difficult situation?<br /><br />Why do you think Gideon had such doubts about the future? How can fear of the future keep us from doing the right thing in the present?<br /><br />Why do you think God responded to Gideon's tests? Does God always respond to the tests we give Him? Why or why not?<br /><br />Should we put out "fleeces" for God? Why or why not? Can you think of any time when it might be appropriate to put out a "fleece"?<br /><br />If you had a chance today to ask God one question about the future what would you ask?<br /><br />Regardless of whether or not you can see the future clearly, what is one thing that you KNOW God wants you to do tomorrow? Will it be easy or difficult? Will you do it?<br /><br />Spend time praying for one another. Pray that each person will gain more clarity about the future, and pray that they will have courage to obey God in the present.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3044826675621271373?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-79340095732005716242011-05-31T06:49:00.000-07:002011-05-31T06:49:15.883-07:00<b>Study Notes:</b><br />1. The disciples were concerned about two things: <u>The freedom of Israel</u> and the <u>Inauguration of the Kingdom</u>. Jesus doesn't condemn them for this, but redirects them by saying only the Father know when these things will happen. (vs. 6)<br />2. While they weren't to expect those things immediately, Jesus does tell them what they should expect, The Holy Spirit who will give them power. The Spirit brings a <u>freedom from sin</u> and the <u>Inauguration of the Kingdom Mission</u> . (vs. 7-8)<br />3. After Jesus was gone, while the disciples waited for the coming of the Spirit, they engaged in activity which is foundational to success in the kingdom mission: <u>gathering together</u> and <u>praying together</u>. (vs.14)<br /><br /><b>Getting Started:</b><br />What is the most valuable item you have received for free? What is something valuable that you have given away for free? Why is it fun to receive free things?<br /><br />What does the word "freedom" mean to you?<br /><br /><b>Getting into the Word:</b><br />Read Acts 1:6-8. Why do you think the disciples were concerned with the freedom of Israel? From what did they want to be free? Why does Jesus not seem to be to interested in Israel's freedom?<br /><br />What kind of freedom does Jesus offer? How does the Holy Spirit bring us freedom?<br /><br />Many people who have been given the Holy Spirit still sin, so what does it mean to be free from sin? Can you talk about a time when you were set free from sin?<br /><br />Instead of worrying about a coming Kingdom, Jesus had a mission for his disciples (vs. 8). Does this same mission apply to us? If Jesus were to give this mission to us today, what do you think he would say?<br /><br />What specific things should we be doing to accomplish this mission today?<br /><br /><br />Read Acts 1:14. How do you think these meetings prepared the disciples to accomplish the mission they were given? Why is prayer important?<br /><br /><b>Getting Personal:</b><br />Why do some people feel awkward about praying in a group? What are some things our group could do to make prayer more a part of our culture?<br /><br />How can we as a group be more active in accomplishing Jesus' mission for his disciples?<br /><br />What are one or two things we could each do every day to help us be more effective at accomplishing Jesus' mission? How can we encourage one another as we seek to do these things?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7934009573200571624?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-68053606268243269562011-05-27T06:38:00.000-07:002011-05-27T06:38:30.649-07:00What is your favorite "love song"? Why?<br /><br />When was the first time you thought you were "in love"? What happened?<br /><br />How can you tell if you truly love someone? How can you tell if someone loves you?<br /><br />If you have children, how do you show love toward them? How do they show love toward you?<br /><br />Does God love you? How do you know?<br /><br />What do you think it means to "love God"? How do we show our love to him?<br /><br />Read John 14:15-21.<br /><br />What did Jesus say was the simple test to show our love to God? What do you think it means to "obey Jesus' commands"? Which of his commands are easy to obey? Which are difficult?<br /><br />According to these verses, what do you think is the role of the Holy Spirit? Why do you think Jesus refers to him as the Spirit of "Truth"? Why can the world not accept the Holy Spirit?<br /><br />Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit encouraging you to be more obedient to Christ? How did you respond?<br /><br />What are some thing people can do to become more in tune with the Holy Spirit's guidance?<br /><br />In what area of your life is the Holy Spirit currently coaching you toward obedience? What is one thing you can do this week to obey Christ's commands?<br /><br />How can you encourage others to be more obedient to Christ this week? How can they encourage you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6805360626824326956?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-30661826510428941492011-05-25T06:20:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:20:16.587-07:00Who is someone that inspires you? Why?<br /><br />When have you been inspired by someone else to do something you thought might be impossible? Did you accomplish what you set out to do? Why or why not?<br /><br />Read Judges 4:4-10.<br /><br />Verse 5 says the Israelites came to Deborah to have their disputes settled. What are some words you might use to describe the kind of virtues Deborah likely possessed?<br /><br />Why do you think Barak wanted Deborah to go into battle with him? What does that communicate about Deborah's character?<br /><br />Read Judges 4:11-23. What do you think of Jael?<br /><br />Notice in verses 11 and 17&nbsp; that Jael's family weren't Israelites, and they were "friendly" with Jabin and Sisera. Why do you think Jael chose to kill Sisera? Do you think her choice caused problems for her or her husband? Was it wrong for her to kill someone with whom her husband had an alliance? Why or why not?<br /><br />What does this story have teach us about the roles of men and women?<br /><br />Have each person in the group choose a character trait that was demonstrated by Deborah or Jael, and that they would like to develop more in their own life. Talk about why they need this character trait and what they might do to grow it.<br /><br />Have each person in the group commit to pray for one other person in the group this week. Pray specifically that they will have success in their "character growth" efforts.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3066182651042894149?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-72771691424726834982011-05-24T07:43:00.000-07:002011-05-24T07:43:40.294-07:00Read Psalm 66:8-15. Which is your favorite verse? Why?<br /><br />Verse 9 says "He preserved our lives."&nbsp; What do you think this means? Is the author talking about a one-time act of God or an on-going preservation of life? Is it both?<br /><br />Has there ever been a moment in your life when you felt that God preserved your life? What happened? How is God preserving your life right now?<br /><br />How is it comforting to know that your life is in God's hands? How is it challenging to know that he controls when you will live and when you will die?<br /><br />Verse 10 says that God tested Israel, so that they could be refined. How do difficult times help to make us into better people?<br /><br />Read James 1:2-4. If we handle it well, what opportunity for growth comes with suffering? How have you experienced this to be true?<br /><br />In the New Living Translation, verse 11 reads like this: "You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs."&nbsp; How do you think God used Israel's slavery to make them into a better nation?<br /><br />Verses 13-15 describe the proper response when God has brought us through a difficult time. Which part of these verses do you most appreciate? Why? How can our generosity demonstrate thanksgiving toward God?<br /><br />For what can you be thankful to God today? What is something He has brought you through recently? How has he helped you grow?<br /><br />Who in the group is in the middle of a difficult time right now? Does anyone feel that God is refining them right now? How can the group walk through this time with you?<br /><br />Spend time praying with and for one another.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7277169142472683498?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-65653614752829128762011-05-23T08:02:00.000-07:002011-05-23T08:02:59.323-07:00What was the best speech you ever heard? What was the best speech you ever gave?<br /><br />If you could give a speech in front of one group of people, who would it be? Why?<br /><br />Read Acts 17:24-31. This is the account of one of Paul's most famous speeches.<br /><br />Clearly Paul is teaching that God is the creator. In your opinion, what rights and privileges does God have because He created the world?<br /><br />Why do you think Paul says that God has no needs? <br /><br />According to these verses, God is the sustainer of life. How are some ways that God has sustained your life? What are some of the things He has given you to "keep you alive"? Can you think of specific times when God intervened in your life to provide you with something you needed?<br /><br />What do you think it means that God determined the times set for people and the places they would live? Do you think that God already knows when and where you will die? How does that make you feel? Does it impact the way you live? Why or why not?<br /><br />According to verse 27, God wants people to reach out for him. What circumstances did God bring into your life to cause you to reach out for Him? How have you seen God work in other people's lives to cause them to reach out to Him.<br /><br />According to verse 31, the person who will hand out justice at the final judgment will be Jesus. What do you think will be his criteria for judging people? Are you confident about how he'll judge you? Why or why not?<br /><br />Should Christians fear the final judgement? Why or why not?<br /><br />Read Romans 8:14-16. What does this say about fear? Why does being God's child remove fear?<br /><br />Who do you know that needs to become God's child before the final judgment? What will you do this week to help them along their journey?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6565361475282912876?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-35583141691936655732011-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:002011-05-18T07:20:39.029-07:00Talk about a time you have been "really stuck" (traffic, mud, job, etc.). How did you feel at the time? How did you get unstuck? What (if anything) did you learn from the situation?<br /><br />How do people sometimes get themselves stuck in life? Have you ever watched someone get into a cycle of bad decisions? How did you try to help? What was the outcome?<br /><br />Read Judges 3:7-9 and Judges 3:12-15.<br /><br />What similarities do you see in these two passages? How would you describe the cycle in which the Israelites were stuck? (this same pattern is repeated several times throughout the book of Judges)<br /><br />Has your relationship with God ever felt like this kind of cycle? When is your relationship with God at its high point? When is it at its low point? What are the things you do to contribute to each?<br /><br />In Judges the Israelites constantly enslaved themselves because they did evil. How have you seen people around you enslave themselves? What are some of the common addictions to which people in our culture become enslaved? Why do you think people get addicted to things so easily?<br /><br />What are some things to which you tend to become addicted?<br /><br />What does God do for Israel everytime they call out to him? (3:9, 3:15) What does it mean to be "delivered?"<br /><br />From what do we most need to be delivered? Who is the deliver God raised up for us? How does that deliverance work?<br /><br />What things do you feel might be enslaving you today? If you were to cry out to God right now, for what would you ask?<br /><br />Throughout Judges, God used other people to deliver his people. How can this group help to deliver you from a difficult situation? How can you be a deliverer to someone else in the group?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3558314169193665573?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-70512263290410570572011-05-11T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-11T10:52:56.770-07:00If you could choose your last words, what would you want them to be? Why?<br /><br />Joshua 23-24 are the last recorded words of Joshua. We can learn a lot about following God from these words.<br /><br />Scan through Joshua 23-24 and make a list of everything God accomplished on the Israelite's behalf.<br /><br />Has God accomplished anything like these same things for you? Which ones? What things has God accomplished for you in the past month?<br /><br />What are the most important things in your life that God has accomplished for you? How does knowing what God has done for you change the way you live? How should it change the way you live?<br /><br />Make a list of the things Joshua encouraged the Israelites NOT to do.<br /><br />If Joshua were speaking to our group today, what are the things he would challenge us to remember? What are the things he would challenge us not to do?<br /><br />What kinds of temptations are most likely to come between us and our relationships with God? How can we avoid these temptations?<br /><br />Read Joshua 24:15.<br /><br />Consider what it means to be a servant to someone. What do you think it means to "serve the LORD?" <br /><br />If God were physically present, as your master, what types of instructions might He give you? What kinds of things might He command you to stop?<br /><br />How can you know what your master expects of you?<br /><br />What is one thing to which you believe the master is calling you today? What will help you accomplish this? What will stop you from accomplishing this?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7051226329041057057?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-84548700600045826952011-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:002011-05-11T08:12:39.503-07:00Who is the most patient person you know? How do you think they became so patient?<br /><br />Rate your own patience on a scale of 1-10. What are some ways that we can develop more patience?<br /><br />Read 1 Peter 2:19-20.<br /><br />Peter mentions two reasons why people might be mistreated: 1) for doing right and 2) for doing wrong.<br />&nbsp; <br />What are some examples of ways people might be mistreated (or punished) because they did something wrong?&nbsp; Have you ever suffered because of a bad choice you made? What did you learn from that experience?<br /><br />What are some examples of people being mistreated for doing the right thing? How can suffering for doing good help us grow spiritually? (check out James 1:2-4)<br /><br />What do you think it means to be patient while you are suffering? What would be the opposite of "patience" when suffering?<br /><br />Read 1 Peter 2:21-25.<br /><br />We are encouraged to follow in the steps of Christ. What do you think that means?<br /><br />As you read this portion of 1 Peter 2, notice all the things that Jesus endured:<br /><ul><li>He was insulted</li><li>He suffered</li><li>He carried our sins</li><li>He was wounded</li></ul>Talk about a time you've experienced one of these things. ("carrying our sins" might be difficult, but think of a time when someone else's sins have impacted you)<br /><br />What does it mean that&nbsp; Jesus "entrusted himself" to God's righteous judgment? When you are in the middle of suffering, how can you "entrust yourself" to God's righteous judgment? Will God immediately judge those who are persecuting you? Why or why not?<br /><br />Why do we sometimes give something to God, and then take it right back?<br /><br />What part of your life, or what situation in your life do you need to entrust to God? What step will you take this week to follow the example of Jesus?<br /><br />How can this group help you?<br /><br />More thoughts on Sufering: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beside-Still-Waters-Words-Comfort/dp/0785206787?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Beside Still Waters Words Of Comfort For The Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0785206787" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Letters-Spurgeon-Charles/dp/1870855604?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">The Suffering Letters of C H Spurgeon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1870855604" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8454870060004582695?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-19084646506560504022011-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:002011-05-09T09:32:18.616-07:00Have you ever had someone steal something from you? What did they take? How did you feel about them?<br /><br />Have you ever stolen something from someone else? What was it? Why did you take it? How did it get resolved?<br /><br />Why is stealing wrong?<br /><br />Read John 10:1-5.<br /><br />Who do you think is the thief to whom Jesus was referring?<br />Who do you think are the sheep?<br />Who do you think is the shepherd?<br />&nbsp;(hint: not every character or element in a parable has a second meaning. it is possible that some characters are simply a part of the story to help move it along. don't assume that there has to be a deeper meaning behind every element of a parable.) <br /><br />Read Psalm 23 together. How does this Psalm correspond to John 10:1-5? What does it mean to you to be "led by the good shepherd" through your life? <br /><br />Read John 10:6-10. Why do you think Jesus described himself as "the gate"? What does it mean to go "through him" for salvation?<br /><br />How does the enemy try to destroy the sheep of God? What temptations does He use to distract us from following the shepherd?<br /><br />How can we know where the shepherd is leading us? Where is the shepherd leading you today?<br /><br />How can this group help you as you seek to follow the good shepherd?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1908464650656050402?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-26593479617163717382011-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:002011-05-05T08:35:16.521-07:00What was the best year you ever had? What made it so great?<br /><br />What was the worst year you ever had? Why was it so difficult?<br /><br />When you are going through a hard time, do you pray more or less? Why? How do you pray in difficult times?<br /><br />Read Psalm 116:1-3. What kind of situation might make someone feel they were entangled by death, or overcome by sorrow?<br /><br />Do we deserve to have God listen to us? Why or why not? What do you think it means that he "turns his ear to us?" (the NLT says "he bends down to listen")<br /><br />Read Psalm 116:10-11. How can the lies (or other mistreatment) of others cause us to feel greatly afflicted?<br /><br />What is our natural response when people lie about us, or otherwise mistreat us?<br /><br />Read Psalm 116:12-13. On whom is the writer's focus? What do you think it means to focus on God even when people are mistreating you?<br /><br />THOUGHT: I cannot control what others do or say about me. I can only control whether or not I take it to God in prayer.<br /><br />Read the rest of Psalm 116. It doesn't appear that the people who are lying and causing trouble are ever dealt with. Why do you think the writer decided it didn't matter whether or not they were brought to justice in his sight?<br /><br />How can focusing on the salvation God has given help you look past the abuse others are giving you? How can you focus on God's salvation?<br /><br />As a group, talk about the benefits we have because of God's salvation.<br /><br />Spend a few minutes praying silently about the troubles in life you are facing. Then spend time praying prayers of thanksgiving aloud as a group.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2659347961716371738?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-85892707182483511612011-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:002011-05-04T10:48:35.829-07:00<!--[if !mso]> <style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}b\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}</style> <![endif]--><!--[if pub]><xml> <b:Publication type="OplPub" oty="68" oh="256"> <b:OhPrintBlock priv="30e">285</b:OhPrintBlock> <b:DptlPageDimensions type="OplPt" priv="1211"> <b:Xl priv="104">7772400</b:Xl> <b:Yl priv="204">10058400</b:Yl> </b:DptlPageDimensions> <b:OhGallery priv="180e">259</b:OhGallery> <b:OhFancyBorders priv="190e">261</b:OhFancyBorders> 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pub]><xml> <b:Page type="OplPd" oty="67" oh="266"> <b:PtlvOrigin type="OplPt" priv="511"> <b:Xl>22860000</b:Xl> <b:Yl>22860000</b:Yl> </b:PtlvOrigin> <b:Oid priv="605">(`@`````````</b:Oid> <b:OhoplWebPageProps priv="90e">267</b:OhoplWebPageProps> <b:OhpdMaster priv="d0d">263</b:OhpdMaster> <b:PgtType priv="1004">5</b:PgtType> </b:Page> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="3073" fill="f" fillcolor="white [7]" strokecolor="black [0]"> <v:fill color="white [7]" color2="black [0]" on="f"/> <v:stroke color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:left v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/> <o:top v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/> <o:right v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/> <o:bottom v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/> <o:column v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/> </v:stroke> <v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"/> <v:textbox inset="2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt"/> <o:colormenu v:ext="edit" fillcolor="#009 [1]" strokecolor="black [0]" shadowcolor="#ccc [4]"/> </o:shapedefaults><o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <br />Have you ever stolen anything? Tell the story.<br /><br />Have the group talk about the story of Achan from Joshua 7. What do we know about the story? What parts raise questions?<br /><br /><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B002NEEWJQ&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: right; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Read Joshua 7:1. Remember that God had told Israel to devote all the silver and gold to Jericho. These were the "devoted things".<br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Why do you think God wanted the spoils from Jericho devoted to Himself? What principle do you think He was teaching Israel?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Would it have been okay for God to tell Israel to devote the spoils from all their conquests to Him? Why or why not? Why do you think He didn't tell them to do this?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Once Israel was done conquering Canaan, they were a wealthy people. What are the spiritual dangers that sometimes come with wealth and success? As people living in an extremely wealthy and successful country, how do we experience these dangers?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Devoting Jericho to God was a way to acknowledge that the victory was His, it was not something the Israelites had done for themselves.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">What are some things you have because God gave them to you or allowed you to have them?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think God expects us to devote to him? What would it mean for us to devote something to God today? How would we do it?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Read Joshua 7:20-21. Have you ever faced a temptation like the one Achan faced? What are some things that are easy for people today to covet?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Is coveting something for ourselves the opposite of devoting something to God? Why or why not?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">What is something you need to devote to God? How will you do this? Is this going to be easy or difficult? Why?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">How can our group support you?</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8589270718248351161?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-56905815643317648492011-05-02T10:50:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:50:30.254-07:00Who is the most loving person you know? What makes them so loving? What is the most loving thing you have ever seen them do? <br /><br />Read 1 Peter 1:17-23.<br /><br />What can you learn about God in these verses?<br /><br />How do you feel about the statement that God judges everyone according to their work? Why would this truth cause someone to live their life in "reverent fear"?<br /><br />Why did people need to be redeemed? What do you think Peter meant by "empty way of life" (vs.18)? How is this empty way of life passed from generation to generation?<br /><br />How did Christ's death change God's perspective of you?<br /><br />What does it mean to "believe in God"? What do you need to believe in order to be made "pure"?<br /><br />Verse 22 says that the natural outcome of salvation is love for others. How does Jesus' covering of our sins make it easier for us to love other people?<br /><br />Why is it sometimes difficult to love other people? What kinds of things can get in the way of our love for others? What are some specific things you can do to show love to the "unlovable?"<br /><br />What sacrifices will you make this week to love others the way Jesus loves you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5690581564331764849?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-67362652090364494202011-04-27T08:35:00.000-07:002011-04-27T08:37:39.236-07:00What do you most fear in life? Why? <br /><br />Read Joshua 1:1-9.<br /><br />If you were Joshua, what would you have been feeling after the death of Moses?<br /><br />What kinds of fears do you think Joshua was battling? What do you think God meant by "be strong and courageous"?<br /><br />What types of fears do the people around you face from day to day? What kind of fears do you face? <br /><br />What do you think God would say to you or those around you regarding your fears? What would it mean for you to live life "strongly" and with "courage"?<br /><br />In verses 7 and 8, God gives very specific instructions to Joshua about his relationship to God's Word (the law). How would you summarize, in your own words, these instructions?<br /><br />What do you think it means to not turn to the right or left of what God's Word says? Can you think of an illustration of someone turning to the right or left of God's instructions? How did it turn out?<br /><br />How do you meditate on God's Word?<br /><br />How might the words "prosperous" and "successful" be misunderstood? Is this a promise that people will have lots of money, and no suffering?&nbsp; What does it mean to be prosperous and successful?<br /><br />This week, do you need to address fear issues or do you need to work on your relationship with God's Word? How might the two issues be related? What is your plan for the week?<br /><br />How can this group help you this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6736265209036449420?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-49830059996172017632011-04-27T07:36:00.000-07:002011-04-27T08:36:19.764-07:00When was the last time someone said thank you to you? Did you deserve it? Had you done something amazing or was it just a small thing?<br /><br />When was the last time someone didn't thank you for something you did for them? How did you feel about that?<br /><br />Read Psalm 105:1-8.<br /><br />Which verse in this passage is your favorite? Why?<br /><br />Are there any verses in this passage that are confusing? Can the group help?<br /><br />How would you summarize this passage using only one sentence?<br /><br />Verse one says to "Give thanks to the LORD" and to "make known among the nations what he has done." How are these two activities different? Give specific examples of how you might obey each of these instructions?<br /><br />As a group, make a list of 50 things God has accomplished for you.<br /><br />Verse 8 says God remembers his covenant (or promise) forever. Which of God's promises are most meaningful to you? Why?<br /><br />How is your perspective on life's situations changed when you spend extra time focusing on the good things God has done for you?<br /><br />What can you do to make this kind of reflection a daily habit in your life?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4983005999617201763?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-74503192136870162182011-04-13T08:07:00.000-07:002011-04-13T08:07:26.332-07:00What does it mean to you to place belief in another person?&nbsp;Who is a person you know that you really believe in? Why?<br /><br />Read John 3:16.<br /><br />Why do you think John 3:16 is such a popular verse?<br /><br />Why do some people believe that God doesn't love the world? How can the life of a Christian be a powerful illustration of how God loves the world? What types of things could you do this week to show the world that God loves them?<br /><br />Why do you think God chose to demonstrate his love to us by sending His Son to earth?<br /><br />Are the words "one and only" important in this verse? Why or why not?<br /><br /><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B000SAGGPU&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: right; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Would you allow your perfectly healthy child to die if you knew it would save someone else's life? What does this gift from god teach us about His love? What sacrifices should we be willing to make for the good of someone else?<br /><br />What does it mean to "believe in Jesus?" Have a few (or all) of the group members talk about why they believe in Jesus.<br /><br />What does someone need to believe about Jesus in order to have eternal life?<br />(clue verses: Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 6:1)<br /><br />How does belief in Jesus change your life?<br /><br />Who do you know that needs to hear the truth of this verse? How can you tell you them?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7450319213687016218?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-49616691053900304072011-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:002011-03-30T10:01:40.877-07:00<div><b>Our group is doing an overview of the Bible. These were the questions I asked them to think about as they read through Genesis 1-11 and prepared for our first meeting:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think Genesis 1 specifies what God did on each day?</div><div><br /></div><div>Are Genesis 1-2 compatibe with each other? Do you think they represent two versions of creation? What do we learn about the creation from each?</div><div><br /></div><div>What does the story of Cain and Abel teach us about ourselves and our relationships with others?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you see the effects of sin in chapters 3-11?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think these lists of names and families are included in the Bible?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you think the flood was an actual, historical event? Why does it even matter if it was?</div><div><br /></div><div>What did Noah do to gain favor with God? Did he deserve to be saved from the flood? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>What did God expect from Noah and his family after the flood? Do any of these expectations appy to us?</div><div><br /></div><div>What was the biggest sin of the people at Babel? Is God opposed to human unity?</div><div><br /></div><div>What are one or two tings you would say are themes from these chapters?</div><div><br /></div><div>What did you learn about God in these chapters?</div><div><br /></div><div>What questions do you have about God after reading these chapters?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4961669105390030407?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-50506716520313966852011-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:002011-03-30T09:22:56.270-07:00If you could choose any living person to be the emperor of the world, who would you choose (you can't pick God/Jesus)? Why would you choose that person? What kind of person would you not want to have that authority? Why?<br /><br />Read Luke 7:1-10.<br /><br />What is the most admirable trait of the Centurion? What is the most admirable trait of the elders?<br /><br />Why do you think the Centurion had the elders go to Jesus on his behalf? What are some reasons he may have thought Jesus wouldn't listen to him? Do you think Jesus would have gone if the Centurion had asked instead of the elders? Why or why not?<br /><br />Why do you think the Centurion said, "I do not deserve to have you come under my roof."? What things has Jesus done for you that you didn't deserve?<br /><br />What are some things that people sometimes think they deserve from God? Are they right or wrong? Why?<br /><br />Have you ever felt God didn't give you something you deserved? &nbsp;How did you deal with that?<br /><br />Read verse eight, have several people explain what it means in their own words?<br /><br />The Centurion's authority was over soldiers, and they had to do what he told them. Over what did he think Jesus had authority? Was he right?<br /><br />Is there anything over which Jesus doesn't have authority? How does your answer to that question impact the way you live your life?<br /><br />Are there any areas of your life from which you need to release control to Jesus? How might you go about doing that? What is one step you could take in the right direction?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5050671652031396685?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-54572201808991273812011-03-28T07:45:00.000-07:002011-03-28T07:45:49.104-07:00What is one dream you would like to achieve in the next five years? What do you think are the chances of you actually accomplishing this dream? Why?<br /><br />What do you think is something God would like you to do in the next year? What are some of the obstacles you will face if you try to do this?<br /><br />Read 1 Samuel 16:1-3. Why was Samuel mourning for Saul? Why had God rejected Saul?<br /><br />Samuel was the prophet who first&nbsp;anointed&nbsp;Saul as king. Do you think Samuel felt like he was partially responsible for Saul's failure? Why or why not?<br /><br />How might someone's past failures keep them from moving on with their life? How does fear of failure sometimes keep people from doing what they know to be right? Why are people so afraid of failure? Is failure always a bad thing? Why or why not?<br /><br />Why was Samuel afraid to go anoint a new king? (verse 2) Do you think this was a valid fear? Why or why not?<br /><br />Have you ever been afraid to try something new because you were concerned about the possible consequences? When is this kind of fear healthy? When is this kind of fear unhealthy?<br /><br />If God wanted Samuel to stay alive, would Saul have been able to kill him? How should this truth have changed the way Samuel thought about these instructions?<br /><br />What are some Bible passages you could use to encourage someone who was afraid to pursue God's calling in their life?<br /><br />What step do you need to take this week to move closer to what God is calling you to be? How can this group help you in this journey?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5457220180899127381?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-89048896284663615592011-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:002011-03-22T18:42:44.925-07:00If you could have one super-power, what would it be? Why?<br /><br />What is one thing you've always wanted to accomplish, but have never been able to?<br /><br />Read Matthew 9:18-26. Answer each of the following questions about the ruler, the woman, and the crowd at the ruler's house:<br /><br /><ul><li>How would you describe this person's faith?</li><li>How did their actions demonstrate their faith (or lack of faith)?</li><li>What can you learn from the way Jesus' interacted with this person?</li></ul><div>Why do you think the ruler believed Jesus could raise his daughter from the dead? Do you think there was anything the ruler thought Jesus couldn't do? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>How do you think the woman felt when Jesus told her she would be healed? When have you felt that way?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think Jesus began by saying "Take heart." (verse 22)? When is a time in your life when you needed to hear Jesus say, "Take heart."?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think the crowd at the dead girl's house laughed at Jesus?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>How do people sometimes put limitations on Jesus by the way they live?</div><div><br /></div><div>What would someone's life look like if they lived like Jesus could accomplish ANYTHING on their behalf? How would you live differently if you truly believed Jesus could accomplish ANYTHING on your behalf?</div><div><br /></div><div>What faith step do you need to take this week? How can this group help you?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8904889628466361559?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-73974489044339634762011-03-21T09:28:00.000-07:002011-03-21T09:28:31.168-07:00<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">One of the biblical commands to the church is to ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. A small group is the ideal place to happen. Here are three super-easy things anyone can do to be a better encourager of those in their group.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Whether you are a group member or leader, commit to sending an encouraging email or note to at least one other group member each week.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Have an “encouragement” time-out. For five minutes no one is allowed to say anything other than sincere encouraging words to one another.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Affirm others when you see them using their gifts to serve God and people.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(it's really that easy!)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i>More Group Resources for studying the ONE ANOTHERS</i></b>:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Another-Transformational-Relationships-Christ/dp/1577822293?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">One Another: Transformational Relationships in the Body of Christ</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1577822293" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Another-ebook/dp/B0038KA6E4?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">One Another</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0038KA6E4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />,&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7397448904433963476?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-8085729101670614532011-03-21T07:24:00.000-07:002011-03-21T07:25:43.550-07:00Read Exodus 17:1-16. Which of these two stories do you like best? Why?<br /><br />What words would you use to describe the people of Israel's behavior in the first three verses? Why do you think they behaved this way?<br /><br />We don't typically demand that God give us water, but what are some of the things we might demand he provide for us? When is it okay to make demands of God?<br /><br />Read verse three. Notice the accusations the people made about Moses' motives. Why do you think they assumed the worse about him?<br /><br /><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0006J28KA&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: right; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>How do you feel when people assume your motives are evil? Why is it sometimes so easy to attack people's motivations? What is a better way to settle disagreements?<br /><br />In the first story God provided for his people by giving them water. In the second story he provided for them by giving them military victory. &nbsp;How has God provided something for you in the past few weeks?<br /><br />After Israel defeated the Amalekites, God promised that he would eventually erase their memory from the earth (vs. 14). Why do you think he made such a harsh statement? How do you think the Israelites felt about this promise?<br /><br />Read verse 16. A good translation of this verse would be "they raised their fist against the Lord." What did the Amalakites do that was considered "raising their fist" against God? How do people raise their fists against the Lord today?<br /><br />What things do we do (maybe unintentionally) during the day that might be considered "raising our fists" against God? How do we make these things right?<br /><br />There are two examples in these stories that we should avoid:<br /><br /><ul><li>The Israelite's spirit of complaining</li><li>The Amalakites spirit of rebellion</li></ul><div><br />Take a moment and search your heart to see what complaining and rebellion issues you need to deal with. What is one step you can take this week to move in the right direction? How can this group support you along your journey?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-808572910167061453?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-53105054380512024502011-03-17T05:55:00.000-07:002011-03-17T05:55:06.706-07:00Go around the group and have everyone say something they appreciate about the person to their left. When you're done ask everyone how this exercise made them feel. Ask if they feel like they were portrayed accurately by the person who talked about them. Why or why not?<br /><br />Go around the group again and have everyone give themselves a grade (A-F) on how well they lived this week. Allow them to explain the criteria by which they made their decision.<br /><br />How well do we have to live to please God?<br /><br />Based on what you know about Abraham's life, give him a grade for how well he lived his life. Explain your criteria.<br /><br />Read Romans 4:1-2. What do you think it means to be "justified?"<br /><br />Did Abraham live a good enough life that he had reason to be proud of himself? Why or why not?<br /><br />Why do you think this verse say that he had no reason to be proud in God's eyes?<br /><br />Read Romans 4:3. What do you think it means to be "credited for righteousness?" In your own words, explain how Abraham received this credit.<br /><br />What specifically do you think Abraham believed? How much do you think Abraham knew about God's plan to send Jesus?<br /><br />Read Romans 4:4-5. According to verse four, those who seek to be judged by their works will receive their fair payment. How do you think this will end for most people? Why?<br /><br />According to verse 5, what is the alternative to being judged by works? What does it meant to "trust God?" For what are you trusting him?<br /><br />Why is it sometimes hard to trust God? Why are some people unwilling to trust God?<br /><br />Do you think there is a difference between trusting God for righteousness and trusting Him in every day life? Explain your answer.<br /><br />For what do you need to trust God this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5310505438051202450?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-13889893868247353282011-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:11:15.377-07:00<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Who was your best friend growing up? Why were you so close? What made this person a good friend?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What is the greatest gift you've ever received from a friend?&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Read Luke 5:17-26.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What is your opinion of the friends in this story? In what ways can we look at the friends in this story as an example for us?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Are there parts of this story that you do not like? Why?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you had been one of the friends, how would you have responded when Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven?"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why do you think Jesus said this before he healed the man?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Do you think this man was paralyzed because of his sins? Why or why not? Does it matter?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Were this man's sins forgiven? Did Jesus have authority to forgive sins? Why did Jesus think it was important to heal the man?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Which was more important for this man: to be healed of his paralysis or to be forgiven for his sins? Why?&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Who do you know that needs healing and forgiveness from Jesus? What is one thing you can do this week to bring this person closer to meeting Jesus?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We can't be exactly like Jesus, because Jesus was God. However, we can strive to be as much like him as possible. How can this story inspire you to be like Jesus? What can you do that is like his act of forgiving sins? What can you do that is like his act of healing the man?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">How can this group pray for you this week?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1388989386824735328?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-17186959371946497102011-03-15T08:19:00.000-07:002011-03-15T08:22:44.645-07:00If you could go back in history and watch one event, what would it be? Why? What part of that event would you most want to see?<br /><br />If you could be a "fly on the wall" in one place tomorrow, where would it be? Why?<br /><br />How do you feel knowing that God can always see everything and He is always watching you?<br /><br />Read Psalm 121:1-8. According to this psalm, what are some of the things the LORD does for us?<br /><br />Which verse in this psalm is your favorite? Which one speaks most clearly to you? Why?<br /><br />How has God helped you in the past? How do you need His help this week? How do you think God can use you to help someone else?<br /><br />Verse seven says the LORD will keep you from all harm. What do you think the author means by that? How do reconcile that statement with your experiences?<br /><br />How do you think your definition of "harm" might be different from God's definition of "harm"? When have you gone through a hard time only to discover later that God was doing something good in your life?<br /><br />Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Explain why:<br /><b><i>The Christian life makes more sense when we're reflecting on where we've been, than when we're focused on what we're experiencing.</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br />What situation are you going through can be made more bearable by knowing God is watching you? How would you like the group to be praying for you in this situation?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1718695937194649710?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-47081417626253944892011-03-14T06:28:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:28:25.745-07:00Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. You can only have two of the following items, which will you choose? Explain why.<br /><div><ul><li>a spear</li><li>extra clothes</li><li>a box of old newspapers</li><li>10 cans of spam</li><li>an axe</li><li>100 feet of rope</li><li>a book of matches</li></ul><div>How did you decide which things you didn't need?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>What are some thing in your present life that you have or want but probably don't need?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Genesis 12:1-4. Which part of these verses is most interesting to you?</div><div><br /></div><div>In your opinion, which of God's instructions to Abram were most difficult to obey? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003IWYKT4&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: right; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Why do you think God wanted Abram to leave his country? Why do you think God didn't tell Abram where to go right away? What do you think God wanted Abram to learn?</div><div><br /></div><div>Of all the promises God made in these verses, which do you think meant the most to Abram? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>What promises from God mean the most to you? Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>If God were to ask you to leave something, what do you think he would ask you to leave or give up? Why did you choose that? Are you willing to give it up? Why or why not?</div><div><br /></div><div>Having talked about this passage, what do you believe you need to do this week in order to be obedient to God? How can this group help you?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4708141762625394489?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-90557178438020779512011-03-11T06:49:00.000-08:002011-03-11T06:49:34.763-08:00<div style="background-color: transparent;"><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spending time together away from your meetings will only increase the effectiveness of your meetings.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing says, “I’m in this with you” like providing a meal.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Figure out who in your group has the gift of caring, and put them in charge of your group’s care for each other!</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Avoid too much routine.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create comfortable routines.</span></li></ol></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-9055717843802077951?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-75219868487943687862011-03-11T06:42:00.000-08:002011-03-11T06:42:06.693-08:00Who is someone you know that has endured a great deal of suffering? What did you learn about them by watching them suffer? What did you learn about life by watching them suffer?<br /><br />Have you ever suffered as a result of your own mistakes? What did you learn?<br /><br />What are the different reasons you think people suffer in the world today? Do you think all suffering is the result of sin? Why or why not?<br /><br />Read 1 Peter 3:13-18. Which verse or statement do you most like in this passage? Are there any parts of this passage that confuse or trouble you?<br /><br />What are some ways someone might suffer for doing what is right? Talk about a time you were afraid to do the right thing because you thought you might suffer.<br /><br />What do you think it means to make Christ "Lord of Your Life" or to "set apart Christ as Lord?" Can someone be a Christian and not have Christ as Lord of their life? Why or why not?<br /><br />What is the "hope" that Christians have? Verse 15 says that we should always be ready to explain why we have this hope. If someone asked you why you have a hopeful outlook on life, what would you say?<br /><br />Why do you think Peter told them to give this answer in a gentle and respectful way?<br /><br />How often do you think a Christian should be telling others about their hope? Do you think most Christians do this often enough? Why or why not? Do you think a fear of suffering ever keeps Christians from doing this?<br /><br />How does Christ's suffering compare to the way we suffer in life? How should this motivate or change us? What does it mean that Christ's sufferings were to "bring us to God"?<br /><br />If Christ suffered to bring us to God, how should we live? How can we use our suffering to bring others to God?<br /><br />What are you going to do about this in the coming days?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7521986848794368786?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-82753799003713570932011-03-09T09:43:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:43:22.291-08:00What is the food you just can't resist? How often do you eat it? What makes it so tempting?<br /><br />Is there an activity you love so much that it is a constant temptation for you (exercise, facebook, hunting, etc.)?<br /><br />Are most things that tempt you good for you or bad for you? Why?<br /><br />Read Matthew 4:1-11. Which of these temptation do you think was most difficult for Jesus to resist? Why?<br /><br />Why do you think Jesus responded with Scripture each time Satan brought a new temptation? Do you think you could do the same thing? Why or why not?<br /><br />How important is it to know Scripture if you want to resist temptation? What can you do to increase your knowledge of Scripture?<br /><br />Read verse 1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit LED Jesus to a place he would be tempted? In what ways were these temptations good for Jesus? Is temptation ever good for you? Why or why not?<br /><br />What role do you think the Holy Spirit played in helping Jesus resist temptation? How do you think your relationship to Scripture impacts your relationship to the Holy Spirit (check out Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)?<br /><br />Based on what you've discussed today, what are some keys to having the Holy Spirit empower your life?<br /><br />What steps can you take this week to ensure you're ready next time temptation hits?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8275379900371357093?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-50092373657377846922011-03-09T08:12:00.000-08:002011-03-09T08:12:12.844-08:00<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What is the best message you've ever had an opportunity to deliver? What made it so great? How was it received?</span><br /><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">What message do you think God wants you to deliver to those around you?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span><br /><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. What do you think is the "appeal" God is making through us? To whom is He making this appeal?</span><br /><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What does it mean to be "reconciled to God?" How have you been reconciled to God?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What are some simple things we can do to help others be reconciled to God?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. Talk about a time God has helped you. From what has God saved you?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In verse 4, Paul says, "we commend ourselves in every way." Another way to say this might be to say, "we seek opportunities to introduce ourselves in ever circumstance of life."</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-5. Have you ever experienced these kinds of life circumstances? How could these kinds of things provide you an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone? If you were committed to God's mission of reconciliation, how would you need to react to these kinds of life circumstances?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Read 2 Corinthians 6:6-7. Of which things in this list do you need more in your life? What is one word in these verses that is challenging to you?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Read 2 Corinthians 6:9-10. Which of these comparisons is most striking to you? Have you had a time in your life when one of these phrases would have described you? How did you work through that time?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">How do you think Paul's handling of adversity provided him with opportunities to introduce himself? Why do you think he was always trying to build new relationships with people? What good message did he have for them?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">How does this passage challenge us in our relationships? What are some simple things we can do this week to build new relationships? In the relationships we already have, how can we be ambassadors for God?</span><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What is your one goal for this week? How can we help you accomplish this goal?</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5009237365737784692?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-12038541531273398372011-03-08T07:59:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:59:39.780-08:00What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? How much time do you spend being thankful during the Thanksgiving holiday?<br /><br />How much time do you spend being thankful on a normal day? What is one thing for which you are thankful today?<br /><br />Read Psalm 103:1-2.<br /><br />What do you think it means to praise God with your "whole heart?" Is half-hearted praise acceptable to God? Why or why not?<br /><br />Verse 2 challenges us to not forget all that God has done for us. What is something God has done for you in the past week?<br /><br />Quickly scan Psalm 103:3-9. Have each person choose something from this list that describes what God has done for them.<br /><br />More on Thankfulness:&nbsp;<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0310257492&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: right; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><br />Take a few minutes and as a group brainstorm a list of things you for which you should be thankful to God.<br /><br />How do you think your perspective on life would change if you spent five minutes being thankful at the beginning and end of each day?<br /><br />Verse 10 talks about what we actually deserve in life. According to verses 11-13, what are some of the things God has given us that we don't deserve?<br /><br />Are you ever tempted to think that God isn't giving you as much as you deserve? How should you handle that temptation?<br /><br />What can you do this week to praise God with a whole heart? What can you do to help others praise God with a whole heart?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1203854153127339837?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-41922233778459913062011-03-07T09:30:00.000-08:002011-03-07T09:31:04.940-08:00Have you ever gotten in so much trouble that your punishment was unbearable? What happened? How did that experience change you?<br /><br />Have you ever felt like you were experiencing the judgment of God for something you had done? How did you respond?<br /><br />Read Joel 2:1-2. A great army was coming to destroy Jerusalem. Why do you think God was allowing His chosen people to be attacked? Did they deserve to be destroyed? Why or why not?<br /><br />Do you think our country, or our world deserves to be judged by God? Why or why not?<br /><br />How do you believe God is judging the world today? Compare the current judgments of God with the future judgment at the end of time. What do the current judgments teach us about the coming judgment?<br /><br />Read Joel 2:12-14. How would you describe Joel's response to the coming judgment? Based on these verses, how would you describe repentance?<br /><br />What do you think it means to "turn your heart toward God?" What advice would you give to someone who needed to do this?<br /><br />Read Joel 2:15-17. Why do you think Joel mentioned all these different kinds of people? What point do you think he was trying to make? What's the significance of summoning a bride and bridegroom from their chambers?<br /><br />Joel called on the priests to pray "Spare your people, LORD!" Is this a prayer we should ever pray? Why or why not?<br /><br />What types of things do we need to be spared from? Will God spare us? Why or why not?<br /><br />Take some time and have everyone pray silently. Have them break their prayer into two parts:<br />1) Pray that they would be spared from whatever judgment of God they deserve.<br />2) Pray a prayer of repentance. Do what they need to do to turn their hearts toward God.<br /><br />How can the group be supportive of one another this week?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;search-alias=aps&amp;field-keywords=Bible%20Commentary%20on%20Joel" target="_blank">Search Amazon.com for Bible Commentary on Joel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-4192223377845991306?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-73118858445153239902011-03-04T07:58:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:58:23.970-08:00<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Read Matthew 3:1-17. What do you think was the primary message of John?&nbsp;What do you think it means to “repent?”&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of “fruit” does repentance produce (vs.8)?</span></div><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Read Mark 1:1-11. John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. How did he accomplish this?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can we prepare people's hearts to meet Jesus? How can you do that this week?</span></div><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read Luke 3:1-20. In this chapter, John interacts with many people. Which is your favorite? Why?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think John would say to you? When someone confronts you, how do you avoid responding like Herod did?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Read John 1:1-8. What was the task God sent John to do? How is our task similar and/or different from John's task?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In what way can we testify that Jesus is the light of the world?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Read John 1:29-34. John's experience with Jesus provided gave him a powerful testimony. What has been your experience with Jesus?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can you tell others that Jesus has done for you?</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7311885844515323990?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-91188082339907861802011-03-04T07:46:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:46:23.667-08:00<div hover_container="show_note_3504487" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; z-index: 2;">1. Whether you are a group member or leader, commit to sending an encouraging email or note to at least one other group member each week.</div><div hover_container="show_note_3504487" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; z-index: 2;">2. Have an “encouragement” time-out. For five minutes no one is allowed to say anything other than sincere encouraging words to others.</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; z-index: 2;">3. Affirm others when you see them using their gifts to serve God and people.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-9118808233990786180?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-28075540265845134152011-03-04T07:42:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:42:53.514-08:00Talk about a time when you have been an eye-witness to an amazing or unforgettable event. How did this experience change you? Are you still impacted by it today? How?<br /><br />Read 2 Peter 1:16-18. Do you know what event Peter is talking about in these verses?<br /><br />Read Matthew 17:1-8 (this story is also repeated in Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28-36). What is most amazing about this story? How do you think it changed Peter, John, and James?<br /><br />Read 2 Peter 1:19. How did this amazing experience give Peter confidence?<br /><br />What do you think it means to "pay attention" to the writings of the prophets? How well do you pay attention to the writing of the Bible right now? What keeps you from paying closer attention?<br /><br />Read 2 Peter 1:20-21. According to Peter, how was the Bible written? Compare these verses to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why does it make a difference whether the words in the Bible come from God or from man?<br /><br />According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, for what is God's Word useful? How can you let the Bible do these things in your life?<br /><br />What do you need to do in the coming weeks to improve your relationship with the Bible? What are you going to do in order to pay better attention to God's Word?<br /><br />How can this group help you?<br /><br />Extra resources for learning about the Bible:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/About-Bible-Questions-Exploring-Christian/dp/0806657677?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">About the Bible: Short Answers to Big Questions (Exploring Christian Faith)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0806657677" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Bible-All-About-ebook/dp/B002E7ARY6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">What the Bible is All About: Bible Handbook: NIV Edition</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002E7ARY6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rick-Warrens-Bible-Study-Methods/dp/0310273005?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=daveslinkstop-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=daveslinkstop-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0310273005" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2807554026584513415?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-8387927459296828482011-03-02T06:59:00.000-08:002011-03-02T06:59:30.398-08:00Who is the strangest person you have ever met? What made this person strange? Did you pay attention to the things they told you? Why or why not?<br /><br />Read Matthew 3:1-6. If John were alive today, what do you think he would have worn? What would he have eaten? Where would he have lived?<br /><br />Why do you think people went out to listen to John? How would you summarize John's message?<br /><br />Consider the words "repent" (vs.2) and "confess" (vs.6). How are they similar? How are they different? Why are they necessary?<br /><br />Read Matthew 3:7-11. Why do you think Johan spoke so harshly to the Pharisees and Sadducees?<br /><br />What do you think meant by "fruit of repentance"? How can you tell when someone has truly repented? Is this similar to or different from the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)<br /><br />Verse 2 says that John had come to prepare the way for Jesus. Why was it important that many people repented of their sins before Jesus came? How would a "mass" repentance prepare the way for Jesus' ministry?<br /><br />How can repentance and/or confession prepare our hearts for Jesus? How can a lack of repentance and/or confession hamper our relationship with Jesus?<br /><br />How often should we confess our sins? What is the best way to confess? How can we know if our lives show the "fruit of repentance"?<br /><br />How should we support and pray for one another this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-838792745929682848?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-1187985335488665262011-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:002011-02-23T10:00:54.111-08:00Who is a person in your past that made a big investment in your life? &nbsp;How did their investment change you?<br /><br />Who are the people (person) into whom you most want to make an investment with your life? &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;How do you plan to do this?<br /><br />Read Matthew 28:16-20.<br /><br />This short passage is about Jesus and his disciples. &nbsp;What investments had Jesus made into the lives of the disciples? How had these investments changed them?<br /><br />Verse 17 says that some "doubted". &nbsp;A better translation might be that they were "unsure". &nbsp;What do you think they were unsure about? &nbsp;What are some parts of your spiritual journey about which you are unsure?<br /><br />What does it mean to you that Jesus has been given "all authority"? &nbsp;Is this idea comforting, inspiring, or frightening? How?<br /><br />When you hear the word "disciple" what do you think about? &nbsp;Are there people you know today that you consider "disciples"? Who are the? What do you think it means to "make a disciple"?<br /><br />How does baptism create a picture of salvation? Why do you think Jesus wanted his disciples to baptize the people they were discipling?<br /><br />Jesus command was to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." &nbsp;What are some of the things Jesus has commanded us to do?<br /><br />If a true disciple is one that is always obeying Jesus' commands, give yourself a grade on your own discipleship? What do you need to work on?<br /><br />How can you invest in someone else by helping them become more obedient to Jesus' commands? What steps will you take this week to make this happen?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-118798533548866526?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-19976759698819287942011-02-16T06:39:00.000-08:002011-02-16T06:39:20.999-08:00<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Read Matthew 22:1-14. What do you think about when you hear the words, “Kingdom of Heaven?” If God is your king, how can you demonstrate your allegiance to Him?</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If the wedding banquet represents the time we are united with God, who do you think are the people being invited? Do you remember the first time you were invited into a relationship with God? What made the biggest impact on you?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pay special attention to verses 4-6. What were the reasons people refused their invitations? How are these reasons similar to the reasons people today refuse God? How can these same things interfere with your relationship to God?</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think it means that people “good and bad” came to the feast (vs.10)? Who do you think were the “bad” people? Who are the “bad” people you need to invite into relationship with God?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who are three people you know who need to be invited into a relationship with God? How can you either invite them to meet Jesus, invite them to know you better, or invite them to church this week?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1997675969881928794?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-58155324676509770842011-02-16T06:37:00.000-08:002011-02-16T06:37:32.711-08:00<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Titus 2:11-14 appears at the end of a list of “life instructions.” Read Titus 2:1-10 and make a list of the instructions Paul gave to Timothy. Which of these applies to your life?</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think it means that Jesus “redeemed” and “purified” us? What does it look like for someone to be “eager to do what is good?”</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write Titus 2:12 in your own words. What “ungodliness” do you need to say “no” to (or renounce)? What are some of the “world passions” Christians face today?</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is “this present age” that verse 12 speaks of? What are some words you would use to describe the age in which we live? What does it mean to be: “self-controlled, upright, and godly?”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Titus 2:13 talks about waiting for the “blessed hope.” Why are you looking forward to Christ's return? How often do you think about His return? How would your daily life change if you thought about Jesus' return every day?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5815532467650977084?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-76472454443016997562011-02-16T06:30:00.000-08:002011-02-16T06:30:15.487-08:00If you could invite one historical person to your home for dinner, who would it be? &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;What would you talk about?<br /><br />What is the best invitation you have ever received? &nbsp;What made it so great?<br /><br />What factors make an invitation special?<br /><br />Read Matthew 22:1-14 together.<br /><br />Who do you think each of the following characters represent:<br /><br /><ul><li>The King</li><li>The King's Son</li><li>The Servants</li><li>The Guests who were invited first</li><li>The Guests who were invited second</li><li>The "good" and the "bad" people (verse 10)</li><li>The Guest without wedding clothes</li></ul>Where do you see yourself in this parable? What are some of the lessons we can learn from this parable?<br /><br />What do we learn about God from this parable? What do we learn about God's final judgment?<br /><br />Who should God's servants be "inviting" today? &nbsp;To what should they be inviting them?<br /><br />Make a list of ways we can invite people to God's "banquet". &nbsp;Which of these things are easy? &nbsp;Which are difficult?<br /><br />How often should we be inviting people into a relationship with God? Is the group willing to set a goal for "invitations given" this week? &nbsp;Why or why not?<br /><br />How will you pray for and support one another this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7647245444301699756?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-90382329209048571822011-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:002011-02-09T09:14:25.943-08:00When you think of the "good ol' days" what do you think about? &nbsp;What is a moment from your past that you like to hang on to?<br /><br />How can people's past sometimes hold them back?<br /><br />When you think about the future what most excites you? &nbsp;What do you most fear about the future?<br /><br />In Titus 2:11-14, Paul specifically addresses what the believers attitude should be toward their spiritual past and their spiritual future. &nbsp;He also gives sound advice about how their relationship with the past and future should impact the way they live in the present.<br /><br />Read Titus 2:11-14. &nbsp;What phrases or words are most meaningful to you? &nbsp;Why?<br /><br />What are the things we are instructed to reject? &nbsp;How would define these things? &nbsp;Give examples.<br /><br />Ungodliness and wrong passions are a part of everyone's past. &nbsp;How do we get rid of them and move forward?<br /><br />What do you think it means to "live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives...?" &nbsp;How can one go about living a life that looks like this?<br /><br />What is the "blessed hope" we are waiting for? &nbsp;How does confidence in Christ's future return change the way we live today?<br /><br />Verse 14 says Jesus died to redeem us from all wickedness. &nbsp;Do you have wickedness in your past from which Jesus has redeemed you? &nbsp;What has he done to purify you? &nbsp;What parts of you still need to be purified?<br /><br />How often are you "eager to do good?" &nbsp;What kinds of things can you do to develop this kind of eagerness?<br /><br />How can this group pray for you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-9038232920904857182?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-6304956021501709462011-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:002011-02-02T14:02:22.851-08:00What is the greatest sacrifice someone has ever made for you? &nbsp;How do you feel about that person today?<br /><br />Read John 15:12.<br /><br />Jesus commanded his disciples to love each other as he had loved them. How would you describe Jesus' love for his disciples? &nbsp;How can that kind of love be imitated?<br /><br />Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. &nbsp;Which description of love do you like best? &nbsp;Which one is most difficult for you?<br /><br />What do you think it means that love "always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres?" &nbsp;How do you love in this way when someone is unloving toward you? &nbsp;Why is it difficult sometimes to assume the best about people?<br /><br />Read John 15:13. &nbsp;In your own words describe the greatest kind of love. &nbsp;Does this mean there are lesser kinds of love? &nbsp;Explain?<br /><br />Who were Jesus' friends? &nbsp;Who are our "friends?" &nbsp;Are there people for whom we shouldn't lay down our lives? &nbsp;Why or why not?<br /><br />Does Jesus command mean that we need to literally give up our lives? &nbsp;Why or why not? &nbsp;What does it mean?<br /><br />As a group come up with 5-6 examples of how you might lay down your life for someone.<br /><br />What are the things that keep us from laying down our lives from others? &nbsp;How can we get past these things?<br /><br />What sacrifice are you going to make for someone else this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-630495602150170946?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-89109485444516553602011-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:002011-01-26T08:11:41.581-08:00When have you found yourself in a difficult situation because you weren't paying attention? &nbsp;How did you fix it? &nbsp;What did you learn?<br /><br />As a group, read Ephesians 5:15-21.<br /><br />What do you think it means to "be careful how you live?" (some translations say, "pay attention to your life")<br /><br />How can someone make the most of every opportunity in life? &nbsp;How does a Christian do this differently than someone else?<br /><br />Verse 18 is a comparison between two ways of living. &nbsp;Being controlled by "wine" leads to evil deeds. &nbsp;What does the life of someone who is controlled by the Spirit look like?<br /><br />Read verses 19-20. Use your own words to describe what these verses say about the spirit-controlled life.<br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What is your first reaction when you hear the word "submit?"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What are some negative responses people have to the idea of submission?</div><div><br /></div><div>Someone who is controlled by the Holy Spirit will submit to others. &nbsp;Discuss the following questions about submission.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think it means to submit?</div><div>To whom should you submit?</div><div>To whom should you not submit? Why not?</div><div>Are there times when submission is wrong?</div><div>What is the hardest thing about submitting to someone else?</div><div><br /></div><div>Read Philippians 2:5-11. &nbsp;In what ways did Jesus submit?</div><div><br /></div><div>How does our submission make us like Jesus? &nbsp;How does our submission demonstrate our relationship with Jesus?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is one area of your life that would benefit from a more submissive attitude? &nbsp;How will you work on this?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-8910948544451655360?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-8920665284068821262011-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:002011-01-19T07:48:22.525-08:00Who is the most mature person you know? &nbsp;What is it about this person that make you consider them "mature?"<br /><br />Make a list of the character traits of a mature person.<br /><br />Make a list of the character traits of a mature Christian.<br /><br />Make a list of the character traits of an immature Christian?<br /><br />Read 1 Peter 2:1-2.<br /><br />Have people in the group give examples of things like: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<br /><br />If you believe that one of these things is present in your life, how can you get rid of it?<br /><br />What do you think is the "spiritual milk" spoken of in verse 2?<br /><br />What does it mean to "crave" this spiritual milk? &nbsp;How would a craving like this affect someone's life?<br /><br />In life, we recognize different stages of physical maturity (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood, retirement, etc.). &nbsp;How could these (or other) terms be used to describe spiritual maturity?<br /><br />What steps do you need to take if you want the Bible to help you grow to maturity?<br /><br />&nbsp;What do you see as your next step toward spiritual maturity? &nbsp;How can this group help you get there?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-892066528406882126?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-6467509922103731532011-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:002011-01-19T07:38:08.419-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">-- These questions are taken directly from Calvary's MORE journal, so they are not necessarily designed to be a complete small group study. &nbsp;They are however intended to help someone think through the implications of the text. --</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;">Read 1 Peter 2:1.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">What are the things we need to eliminate from our lives if we want to grow?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">How would you define some of these things?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Which of these things might apply to your life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Read 1 Peter 2:2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">In what ways is a new Christian like a baby?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">What traits of a baby might be desirable for a Christian?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">What traits of a baby might not be desirable for a Christian?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">How can a Christian move past the “baby” stage?</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Using a Bible concordance or a website (examples:&nbsp;&nbsp;biblegateway.com or youversion.com), look up the different passages in the Bible that talk about “craving” (or “crave”) and “milk”.&nbsp;&nbsp;What can you learn about your own spiritual walk from these verses?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">How would you define a “mature” Christian?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Make a list of the character traits of a mature Christian.&nbsp; Which of these would you like to develop in your own life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Read 1 Peter 2:2. Using a Bible concordance or a website (examples:&nbsp; biblegateway.com or youversion.com), look up the different passages in the Bible that talk about “grow” or “growing”?&nbsp; Write down 3-5 observations you make from these verses.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-646750992210373153?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-61667449709822438122011-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:05:49.378-08:00Read Ephesians 1:1<br /><br />Why do you think Paul calls the people in Ephesus "saints"? &nbsp;What had they done to earn that title? &nbsp;Do you think Paul would refer to you as a saint? &nbsp;Why or why not?<br /><br />Read Ephesians 1:3-9.<br /><br />Which part of this paragraph is your favorite? &nbsp;What parts of this paragraph raise questions for you? &nbsp;How would you summarize this paragraph in one or two sentences?<br /><br />As a group, make a list of all the words that describe what God has done for us. &nbsp;Why do you think he did all this?<br /><br />Verse five says this all happens "through Jesus Christ." &nbsp;How did Jesus' life make all this possible?<br /><br />Tell a story about someone you know that has been radically transformed by God.<br /><br />If you had to identify one part of your life that has been transformed by God, what would it be?<br /><br />If you had to identify one part of your life that still needs to be transformed by God, what would it be?<br /><br />One of the reasons we aren't always transformed as much as we should be is that we don't allow God access to our full life.&nbsp;What is a simple step you can take this week to allow God to begin the transformation you need?<br /><br />What can this group give you that will enable you to do this?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6166744970982243812?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-19392013387925598352011-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:08:16.808-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">-- These questions are taken directly from Calvary's GROW journal, so they are not necessarily designed to be a complete small group study. &nbsp;They are however intended to help someone think through the implications of the text. --</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">Note the words Paul uses to describe the Christians he was writing to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Do you believe these words are also descriptive of you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Which of these words or phrases inspire you to live a better life?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">Make a list of all the things God has done for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Which of these stand out most to you?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">Read Ephesians 1:6-8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Rewrite these verses in your own words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What do they mean to you?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">Using a Bible concordance or a website (examples:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>biblegateway.com or youversion.com), look up the different passages in the Bible that talk about an “inheritance”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Scan through them, and write down any thoughts you have about the inheritance God has promised for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How does the promise of an inheritance in the future change your life today?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">What does it mean that God has “adopted” us to be his children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How has your life changed since you changed families?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What are some of the leftovers of the old life that you still need to deal with?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1939201338792559835?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-29432266775312350372011-01-10T10:05:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:05:16.919-08:00-- These questions are taken directly from Calvary's GROW journal, so they are not necessarily designed to be a complete small group study. &nbsp;They are however intended to help someone think through the implications of the text. --<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Why do you think Cain’s offering didn’t please the LORD?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Apart from money, what are other offerings we might offer to God?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">What things in our lives might keep us from making offerings that are pleasing to God?</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">Make a list of the consequences of Cain’s sin.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="language: EN;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How would our attitude toward sin change if we thought about the consequences first?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How should we treat people who find themselves dealing with the consequences of sin?</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">Compare Genesis 4:9-16 to Genesis 3:8-24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What things are similar? What things are different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What do these passages teach us about ourselves?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">What kind of a person do you think Lamech was?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What things did he do wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What was his attitude about himself? What was his attitude toward God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How did he treat others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In what ways do you sometimes act like Lamech?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;">What do you think it means that “people called on the name of the LORD?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>When you call on the LORD, what do you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What things do you need from the LORD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What things do you need to tell the LORD?</span><span style="language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; language: EN; line-height: 100%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-armenian-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-currency-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-default-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-eudc-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-greek-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-hebrew-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latin-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;; mso-latinext-font-family: &quot;Adobe Caslon Pro&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2943226677531235037?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-33934688737012227862011-01-05T06:54:00.000-08:002011-01-05T06:54:24.133-08:00When have you had fun giving someone else a gift? &nbsp;What did you give them? &nbsp;Why was it fun? &nbsp;How did they respond?<br /><br />When have you given someone a bad gift? &nbsp;What made it bad? &nbsp;How did you feel afterward?<br /><br />What is the best gift you have ever given?<br /><br />How do we give gifts to God? &nbsp;What kind of gifts does God want from us?<br /><br />Read Genesis 4:1-5.<br /><br />Why do you think Cain and Abel were offering these gifts?<br /><br />Both Cain and Abel were offering the results of their own labor as gifts to God. &nbsp;Read the verses closely and discuss how their offerings were different. &nbsp;(What are the precise words used to describe each offering?)<br /><br />Why do you think God accepted Abel's offering but not Cain's?<br /><br />Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly instructed people that they should sacrifice the first and the best of their crops and flocks. &nbsp;Why do you think He wanted them to give up their first and best? &nbsp;How does that kind of offering point to Jesus?<br /><br />Make a list of all the things in our lives we can offer to God. &nbsp;How would it look to offer the "first and best" of our lives to Him? &nbsp;Would this be easy or difficult? &nbsp;Why?<br /><br />What are one or two first and best things you can offer this week? &nbsp;How can this offering help you become more Christlike, generous, or inviting?<br /><br />How can the group pray for you and help you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3393468873701222786?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-12237077063847026512010-12-27T14:15:00.000-08:002010-12-27T14:15:27.511-08:00What is a New Years resolution you or a friend have made that was completely unrealistic? How did it turn out?<br /><br />What other goals have you set for yourself (or have others set for you) that were impossible to achieve? How do you respond when faced with an impossible task?<br /><br />What seemingly impossible spiritual goals or tasks would you like to accomplish? Why do they seem so difficult?<br /><br />Read Proverbs 14:15. What do you think this Proverb means?<br /><br />How can one be thoughtful of the steps they take in life? Why is this important? Give some examples of people who haven't been thoughtful about the steps they took in life. What were the results?<br /><br />What are some other biblical principles or verses that talk about the steps we take in life? Do you think it's true that every step we take makes us nearer to or further from God? Why or why not?<br /><br />Talk about the following spiritual goals. Which seems easiest? Which seems most difficult? Why?<br /><br />1. Be someone who lives like Christ and loves like Christ.<br />2. Be someone who is generous with the resources God has provided.<br />3. Be someone who is constantly inviting others to meet Jesus.<br /><br />Instead of focusing on the great leap required to accomplish these goals, think about the steps you might take to help you move in a direction toward these goals.<br /><br />What is a step you can take this week to help you be more like Christ? What is a step you can take this week to help you be a more generous person? What is a step you can take this week to help you be a more inviting person?<br /><br />How can this group support you as you seek to become MORE Christlike, generous, and inviting?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1223707706384702651?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-39321163032705743692010-12-16T07:56:00.000-08:002010-12-16T08:07:44.907-08:00If you could give one room in your house a "makeover" which room would you choose? What would you do?<br /><br />If you could give one part of your life a "makeover" what would you choose? What would you do?<br /><br />Read Revelation 21:1. Why do you think God needs to give the world a "makeover"? What things most need to change?<br /><br />What are some ways you have observed sin and the presence of sin impacting your life and the lives of people around you?<br /><br />Read Revelation 21:2-4. Which part of the new heaven and new earth is most appealing to you? Why?<br /><br />What advantage is there to living in the presence of God? Can you think of any experiences that might help to illustrate what this will be like?<br /><br />Read Revelation 21:5. What has Jesus done to "make all things new?" How did His work on the cross make things new? What else has He done?<br /><br />What part of your life has already been made new because of your relationship with Jesus? What part of your life do you think He wants you to work on next?<br /><br />Read Revelation 21:7. What do you think it means to be "victorious?" Who or what is being defeated? How have you experienced victory in your spiritual life? How have you experienced defeat?<br /><br />How can this "TEAM" work together to ensure each person experiences victory? What can you contribute to your teammates? What do you need from them?<br /><br />How will you make yourself over this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-3932116303270574369?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-20984275537114278542010-12-10T05:21:00.000-08:002010-12-10T05:35:48.026-08:00This is a difficult chapter to work through, so we're going to begin by just talking about the actual content of the chapter.<br /><br />Have everyone in the group look over the chapter and point out everything the chapter says about the following:<br /><div><ul><li>Satan (the devil)</li><li>the 1000 years</li><li>Jesus Christ</li><li>Judgment</li><li>the Lake of Fire</li></ul><div>What portions of this chapter stand out? Which portions are exciting? Which are depressing? Why?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you think there are still people on earth willing to follow Satan, even after 1000 years of Christ's reign? What does this tell you about the hearts of men?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you could summarize this chapter in one sentence, what would it be? (have several people answer this)</div><div><br /></div><div>How is it encouraging to know that Satan will ultimately be judged for his deceitful work? What does this reminder inspire you to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>What feelings do you have about the judgement at the end of the chapter? Do you know people who will be on the wrong side of that judgment?</div><div><br /></div><div>What does someone need to do to get their name in the Book of Life? How can you help those around you to do this? (as a group discuss the different things we can do and say to lovingly provide the truth to these people)</div><div><br /></div><div>For whom should the group pray this week?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2098427553711427854?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-74877014025255649142010-12-02T07:28:00.000-08:002010-12-02T07:52:06.409-08:00What is your favorite part of Christmas? What is your favorite part of the Christmas story? Why?<br /><br />Why do you think many people have a sense of longing as they approach Christmas? For what are they waiting?<br /><br />What is something you are waiting for in your life?<br /><br />Read Revelation 12:1-9.<br /><br />Remember that Revelation is a book that is full of imagery. No chapter has more symbolism than Revelation 12. Whenever we read this kind of writing, we must be careful not to read more into the symbols than the author intended. This isn't easy, so we should do it humbly and with the understanding that we might not get it exactly right. Therefore, our interpretation of chapters like these should lead us to be more like Christ, but should not lead us to fight with our brothers!<br /><br />The two key characters in Revelation 12 are the woman and the dragon. Verse 9 tells us who the dragon is. <br /><br />Discuss why each of the following might be represented by the woman.<br /><ul><li>Eve</li><li>Israel</li><li>Mary</li><li>the Church</li></ul>When a woman is pregnant, she anticipates giving birth for nine months. The nation of Israel anticipated the coming of the Messiah for thousands of years. Now we are anticipating the second coming of Christ. Why are you most excited for the second coming of Christ?<br /><br />Rather than think about the timing of the war in heaven (verses 7-9), consider the meaning of the outcome. Verses 10-12 are a song or poem celebrating the defeat of Satan.<br /><br />How should your life be different knowing that Satan has already been defeated by Christ? How does this knowledge impact your understanding of temptation?<br /><br />Do you ever feel like you are waiting to be delivered from a particular sin or temptation? What advice does the group have for those who find themselves waiting this way?<br /><br />How will you pray for and support one another this week?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-7487701402525564914?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-21708025088960281072010-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:002010-11-22T08:34:17.479-08:00What is the most amazing sight in nature you've ever observed? What made it so amazing?<br /><br />Have you ever been so awe-struck by something that you couldn't find the words to describe it? How would you describe it now?<br /><br />In Revelation 4, John is given a "sneak peek" at the throne room of God. He struggles to find the words to adequately describe it. Read Revelation 4:1-7 to get a description of John's vision.<br /><br />What part of this vision jumps out at you?<br /><br />What questions do you have about this vision?<br /><br />What do you think is the most important part of this vision?<br /><br />Look through these verses and count how many times the throne or the person on the throne is mentioned. Even though there is a lot going on in this scene, God is still at the center of it, and He is still the most important thing.<br /><br />What are some specific things people can do to keep God at the center of their lives even when it seems like a lot of things are going on around them?<br /><br />In the second half of the chapter, The creatures and the elders sing two songs. The first song is "about God" and the second song is "to God." What can you learn from these songs?<br /><br />These songs say that God is "Almighty" and that He has "always been" and "always will be." How are these words comforting when you think about your past, present, and future? How are these words challenging?<br /><br />What do you think it mean that God is "worthy to receive glory, honor, and power?"<br /><br />In your life, how do you give God glory, honor and power?<br /><br />What can you do this week to keep God at the center of your life? What specific challenges do you already know you are going to face? How can this group pray for you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2170802508896028107?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-8053140352064455372010-11-04T10:16:00.000-07:002010-11-04T10:22:37.950-07:00This is a short one. It's really designed for the brave and self-directed group.<br /><br />Before you begin, take a moment and have each person in the group say an encouraging thing to the person sitting to their left.<br /><br />Read James 1:19 in unison. Remind the group that these three virtues are central to every group's growth.<br /><br />Have one person read James 1:22-25. Tell the group you'll be doing an exercise which will give them all the opportunity to be a DOER instead of just a HEARER.<br /><br />Take turns. Let one person share a personal struggle they are currently having. As a group, ask questions and listen closely to try to gain a full understanding of the struggle.<br /><br />One at a time, let other group members share specific truth from the Bible (no opinions here, just Biblical insight) that may be applicable to the struggle. People may share promises from the Psalms, advice from Proverbs, stories that seem to be similar, words of Christ, thoughts from the epistles, etc...<br /><br />Once several people have shared God's Word, move on to another person.<br /><br />At the end of the evening, have everyone who participated tell the group ONE thing they are going to DO as a result of HEARING God's Word.<br /><br />Pray together for one another.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-805314035206445537?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-59389610357497886212010-11-03T07:16:00.000-07:002010-11-03T07:26:14.010-07:00Which of the following "Faith Stories" is most impressive to you? Why?<br /><ul><li>Abel bringing an offering that was more acceptable than Cain's</li><li>Enoch walking closely with God</li><li>Noah building the ark</li><li>Abraham leaving his home because God had called him</li><li>Sarah believing God would give her a son</li><li>Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac</li><li>Moses' parents hiding him from Pharaoh<br /></li><li>Moses giving up his position in the palace of Egypt</li><li>Rahab hiding the spies in Jericho</li><li>Joshua and Israel marching around Jericho for seven days</li></ul>Do any of these stories create tension in your mind? Why?<br /><br />What do you think it means to "live by faith?" Who do you know that truly lives by faith?<br /><br />Do you think someone can make bad decisions while claiming to "live by faith?" Give an example.<br /><br />How can you know when you need to "trust God" and when you need to just take care of things yourself?<br /><br />Consider the following questions*:<br /><ol><li>For what specifically are you trusting God?</li><li>On what basis are you trusting him for these things?</li></ol>How can these questions help you more appropriately trust God? How can they protect you from foolishly "trusting" for something God hasn't promised?<br /><br />For what will you trust God this week?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*these questions taken from <a href="http://bibchr.blogspot.com/">Dan Phillips</a> at the <a href="http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/10/trusting-what-it-is-and-isnt.html">Pyromaniacs</a> blog.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5938961035749788621?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-55151321891706214662010-10-22T09:27:00.000-07:002010-10-22T10:27:11.617-07:00If you could restore something in your house to it's "new" state, what would you choose? Why?<br /><br />If you could have a new start for today, what would you do differently?<br /><br />What is an activity you once loved, but no longer do? Why did you stop?<br /><br />Read Hebrews 8:6-9. <br /><br />What are your first thoughts when you hear the word "covenant?"<br /><br />How would you describe the "old covenant" God once made with Israel? How many of the laws and promises of the old covenant can you name?<br /><br />Perhaps the most well known portion of the old covenant is the 10 commandments. What is the value of the 10 commandments?<br /><br />Can someone earn eternal life by following the 10 commandments? Why or why not?<br /><br />Read Hebrews 8:10-12. <br /><br />Which part of these verses do you most like? What questions do you have about these verses?<br /><br />In your own words, describe the "new covenant" God is making?<br /><br />What is the main point of verse 12? Why is this good news?<br /><br />How have you experienced God's mercy in your life? <br /><br />When you think about and focus on what God has done for you, what are you inspired to do about it?<br /><br />What parts of your life is God making "new" right now? Are you allowing Him to renew you or are you fighting the process? How?<br /><br />What is the next step in your spiritual life?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5515132189170621466?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-50803752035062633052010-10-15T08:04:00.000-07:002010-10-15T08:14:57.390-07:00Talk about a relationship (family, friend, coworkers, etc.) of someone you've observed that you would like to imitate? Why does these people's relationship appeal to you?<br /><br />Read Colossians 3:18-25.<br /><br />List the different types of people Paul addresses in this passage. Which categories describe you?<br /><br />In your own words, summarize Paul's instructions for husbands and wives.<br /><br />Why do you think some wives might struggle with this command?<br /><br />Why do you think some husbands struggle to show love to their wives?<br /><br />How are love and submission connected to one another? Give an example of how both spouses might both be loving and submitting to one another?<br /><br />What things can parents do to make obedience easier for their children?<br /><br />How might a father (or mother) provoke his children? How do you walk the line between demanding obedience and provoking or discouraging your child?<br /><br />How might love and submission contribute to the parent/child relationship? Is it ever appropriate for a parent to submit to their child? Why or why not?<br /><br />Assume for the sake of application that being a slave is similar to being an employee. In your own words, how should an employee act toward their boss?<br /><br />What do you think it means that an employee should work for the Lord, not their master? How might you do that in your job? How might love and submission contribute to this relationship?<br /><br />What promise does Paul give to the employee who is being mistreated? What do you think this means?<br /><br />Which of these relationships do you want to work on this week:<br /><ul><li>Husband/Wife</li><li>Parent/Child</li><li>Employee/Employer</li></ul>How will you employ the strategy of loving and submitting in this relationship? How can we pray for you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-5080375203506263305?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-18848994887123750072010-10-08T09:19:00.000-07:002010-10-08T09:29:07.630-07:00When you pray for someone else, what kinds of things do you pray? How do you decide for whom you are going to pray?<br /><br />Read Paul's prayer for the Colossians in Colossians 1:9-14.<br /><br />Which part of this prayer do you most appreciate?<br /><br />Which part of this prayer raises questions in your mind? (give the group a chance to discuss these questions)<br /><br />Are any parts of this prayer convicting for you? Why?<br /><br />Paul says he has not stopped praying for the people in Colosse. What do you think he means by that?<br /><br />How would your relationship with someone change if you prayed for them every day?<br /><br />For what kinds of people should you be praying every day?<br /><br />Here are some of the things Paul prayed for the Colossians:<br /><ul><li>increased knowledge of God's will</li><li>spiritual wisdom and understanding</li><li>a life that honors and pleases God</li><li>the fruit of good works</li><li>a growing knowledge of God</li><li>strength, endurance, and patience</li><li>joy</li></ul>Which of these prayer items do you most need?<br /><br />Take a minute as a group and have everyone pray silently for each other, and the needs they've expressed.<br /><br />For whom will you commit to pray every day this week? What will be your prayer for them?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-1884899488712375007?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-67582095288471449092010-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:002010-09-30T11:28:12.768-07:00When you hear the word "rival" what do you think of? What sports teams do you consider to be rivals? What politicians do you consider to be rivals? What celebrities do you consider to be rivals?<br /><br />What kind of person would be your rival (if you had one)?<br /><br />Read Philippians 2:1-4. How do you think Paul felt about rivalries?<br /><br />In these verses, Paul lists __ things he wants for the Christians in Philippi.<br /><ul><li>encouragement</li><li>comfort</li><li>fellowship</li><li>tenderness</li><li>compassion</li><li>love</li><li>oneness</li></ul>If you could have someone give you one of these today, which one do you most need? Why?<br /><br />Which of these are you most capable of giving to others? Give an example of how you would give one of these to someone else.<br /><br />Paul also lists a few "problems" he wants the Christians to avoid:<br /><ul><li>selfish ambition (rivalry)<br /></li><li>vain conceit</li><li>looking to own interests </li></ul>How might these things tear a relationship apart? How are you sometimes tempted to think of yourself first, or act on your own behalf instead of for the good of others?<br /><br />Give an example of a time someone has put your interests ahead of their own. Talk about the different ways Jesus put your needs ahead of his own.<br /><br />What can you do this week to put the needs of others in front of your own? How do you need to "die" to yourself for this to happen?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-6758209528847144909?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4329849813822468044.post-22447583125902092010-09-29T10:59:00.000-07:002010-09-29T11:00:59.768-07:00Tonight is kick-off night for my group. Last week we just got reaquainted and caught up after the summer. Tonight we'll talk about our direction for the year. Below is the handout we'll use to guide our discussion. While it's custom made for our group, you could use similar questions to guide your "down the road" discussion with your group.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7RTVI_kQv1M/TKN9pkkhmmI/AAAAAAAABj0/Q5tfU8CGUmE/s1600/lifegroup+kickoff.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7RTVI_kQv1M/TKN9pkkhmmI/AAAAAAAABj0/Q5tfU8CGUmE/s400/lifegroup+kickoff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522395721231342178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />*image in handout by Kendra Page</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4329849813822468044-2244758312590209?l=www.smallgroupdiscussions.com' alt='' /></div>David Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.com0