A Slave To All

"A Slave To All" Discussion Guide

8 - 25 - 2013

Scripture:        1 Co 9:19

                        “I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.”

Synopsis:          Paul was willing to do anything short of sin to win others for Christ.  Paul was not                                         concerned with race, nationality, religion, job, or anything else when it came to                           telling the story of Christ.  He is willing to do what he needed to do, wherever he                               needed to do it, if a soul was on the line.  This scripture challenges us today to                                  become more willing to move out of comfort zone to reach others for Christ.

1.         Who was Paul willing to become a slave for, so he could teach them about Christ?

2.         Why is it a big deal to be willing to become enslaved for someone else?

3.         What is the most important thing for Paul?

4.         What are the implications of this message for us today?

5.         Why was this so important to Paul and consequently to us?

6.         What are some categories of "leavers" from today's Church?

7.         How can we reach out to them?

Write It On Their Hearts!

Write It On Their Hearts!"

Discussion Guide

8-11- 2013

1.         Deut. 6:6  "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart."              

2.            God has an expectation that we will nurture our children in His ways.  The method has to change continuously as culture changes.  Researchers tell us that our young people are walking away in droves.  Something has to be done to stem the tide.  Today is the first in a series of lessons that will teach us what we learned and what we  can do to save the next generation.

Discussion Questions

1.            What does the Psalmist teach us about the children that God gives us?

2.            What are some lessons we can learn from Deuteronomy  6.

3.            According to Chuck Swindoll where do our families learn principles for living?

4.            What was your impression of the statistics of the loss rate of Christian Children as they mature?

               

5.            Discuss the six reasons our children are disengaging from the church.

6.            What are the two most important influencers in children's lives?

7.            Why must these two partner with each other? 

                       

Scripture

Psalm 127:15  Deuteronomy 6:4-6       Joshua 24:15      Proverbs 11:29       1 Timothy 5:8       Proverbs 22:6

Who Can Ovecome?

Who can overcome?"

Discussion Guide

8-04- 2013

1.         1 John 5:1  Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father             loves the child born of Him.  

2.            John teaches how we overcome the sin of the world and the schemes of Satan.  We name Jesus as our savior   and lord.  Through this act of faith we are delivered into the arms of God out of the clutches of Satan.  John  proclaims that we have assured salvation through the one who is greater than anything this world has to offer.     John teaches us that we can overcome sin and be assured of our salvation.

Discussion Questions

1.            Who can overcome Satan and the temptations of this world?

2.            How can we overcome Satan and the temptations of this world?

3.            What are three ways God testifies concerning Jesus?

4.            How can we assured of our salvation?

5.            What is the sin not leading to death?

6.            What is sin that leads to death?

7.            Are you ready to overcome the world?

                       

Scripture

1 John 5

Who loves the world?

Who Loves the World?

Discussion Guide

7-21- 2013

1.         Scripture 1 John 3 6

            6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him.

2.         John continues a discussion concerning the relationship between God and Man.  The discussion becomes serious as John asserts that love is the component that God looks for in man when He wants       to see who is with Him or not with Him.  How we treat our fellow man indicates whether or not we love God.

Questions for Discussion

1.         Why is it special for God to call  us "children"

2          What does it mean to be called a child of God?

3.         What causes people to fall out of relationship with God?

4.         Who do those that practice sin belong to?

5.         What exactly is "sin"?

6.         What does it mean to practice sin?

7.         What is the differentiating mark  between the righteous and unrighteous?

8.         How can we know that God loves us?

                       

Scripture

1 John 3

Who is the Anti-Christ

Who is Anti-Christ?"

Discussion Guide

7-14- 2013

1.         Scripture 1 John 2:18

            1 Jn 2:18-20

            Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many             antichrists  have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 

           19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us,

           they  would have remained with us; but they  went out, so that it would be shown that

           they all are not of us.

            NASU

2.         John prepares us for a sad reality in this chapter. The sad reality is there are those in the body of

            who do not believe that Jesus came in the flesh and was not the savior of the world.  John lets us

            know what we can count on as we live in this world, that is God and His son Jesus.

Questions for Discussion

1.         Who is our advocate with God?

2.         What is "propitiation" in simple terms?

3.         What makes Christians liars?

4.         What are the old commandments made new by Jesus?

5.         What are the consequences of treating each other inappropriately?

6.         What are three categories of sin that kill us?

7.         What is the main difference between sin and righteousness?

8.         What do we need to know about Anti-Christs.?                    

Scripture

1 John 2

"Change"

Discussion Guide

6-30- 2013

1.         Mt 4:17

            17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at    hand."

2.         The Gospel Message is a message concerning change!  If you are going to follow Christ you must             change your heart, mind and soul in regards to how you approach other people especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. God wants us to "love another." In doing so we must learn to live with         each other's likes and dislikes.

Questions for Discussion

1.         What does it mean to repent?  Why is this so important for us to do?

2.         What are some observations concerning a church that will not change?

3.         How do you respond to change?

4.         What are you willing to change to help others in their faith?

5.         Who are people in the bible who changed when God asked them to change?

Scripture

Mt 3:2-3          Mt 4:17           Mk 6:12-13      Lk 13:1-5         Jn 15:12-14      Acts 2:38         

Face To Face With God

Face to Face With God

Discussion Guide

6-09- 2013

1.         Text for Today's Lesson -John 4:24

             24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

2.         Synopsis: Worship is always a great topic for discussion.  This passage is one of the most abused             passages in Christianity as a whole. Today we will look at what this means and how it should affect us    as we live in the world today.

Questions for Discussion

A.  What is a hendiadys?     Why is this an important concept to understand as we read the Bible?

B.  What are some other Hendiadys that we can see in the New Testament?

C.  How can we worship in the true spirit of God?

D.  When we approach God in true spirit how does he treat us?

E.  What does True Worship look like?

F.  What did God design us to do?

G.  What do the most commonly used original language words teach us concerning worship?

H.  What are three kinds of worship we can see from these words?

I.    What does Deuteronomy 6 teach us about worship?

J.   What is True Worship the result of ?

K.  What are three tests for true worship?

L.  Where does true worship begin?

M.  What are three descriptors of true worship?

Scripture     John 4:20-26  Romans 12:1-2   1 Peter 2:8-9  DT 6:4-9

Discipleship

Discipleship

Discussion Guide

May 19, 2013

1.         Text for Today's Lesson - Matthew 28:19

            19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the    Son and the Holy Spirit, 

2.         Synopsis :  The enthusiasm for discipling has faded in recent years.  Discipling is how we center a person of the world in Christ.  Disciples must disciples and followers must follower. God commands it. Jesus commands it.  We must  go and do!

Questions for Discussion

A.         What are two ways that God moves us?

B.         Does God always take us on the path of least resistance?

C.         What types of fears do you associate with change?

D.         What changes are already underway at Davis Park?

E.         What are two goals concerning change that leadership has?

F.         What are three criteria for change that guide the change process?

G.         Why would we need to change how we disciple?

H.         What must we teach to help us better disciple our members and new converts?

Scripture:            Exodus 11 - 13

                                Matthew  28:19

Honor Your Mother

Honor Your Mother!

Discussion Guide

May 12, 2013

1.         Text for Today's Lesson - Ephesians 6:2

            2 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER 

          (which is the first commandment with a promise),

2.         Synopsis :  The role of the mother has gone through some significant changes in the past  forty years. Changing morality and changing lifestyles have contributed to Mom's having to deal with many complex issues while raising their children.  God's word remains relevant as God tells us to Honor our mothers!

Questions for Discussion

A.         What are some cultural changes that have taken place over the last 40 years that have complicated motherhood?

B.         What affect has post modernism played in this?

C.         What influence does a post-Christian society have on raising families?

D.         What affect does stretching out adolescence have on motherhood?

E.         What are some of the objections to faith that the Mosiacs have?

F.         What are changes to motherhood that we have noticed?

G.         What are God's top ten verses about Moms?

H.         What does God say about Mothers?

Scripture:            Ephesian 6:2                      Exodus 20:12                      Proverbs 31:25 ff.            

2 Timothy 1:5

                                Luke 2:51                             Proverbs 22:15                  Psalm 127:3                              Proverbs 22:6

Big Thrones, Little Thrones!

Big Thrones, Little Thrones

Discussion Guide

May 5, 2013

1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Matthew 20:21,22

She said to Him, "Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left."

2.         Change is a big issue in the church for every generation.  It has been an issue since the days of Jesus. Jesus disciples were looking for thrones in all the wrong places.  Jesus was not offering thrones but a lifestyle of servant hood.  Over the next several weeks we are going to talk about change. Change for the right reasons is good. Change is always  painful.

Questions for Discussion

A.         Is there a piece of furniture in your family that has been passed around?

B.         Are there old couches laying around the church?

C.         What has changed culturally since the 70's?

D.         What is another word for repent?

E.         Why is change painful?

F.         How well did Peter and the disciples accept the change that confronted them?

G.           How open was Jesus concerning the changes to their thinking on His purpose?

H.            What is not going to change at Davis Park?:

I.             Are there changes you would like to suggest?

Scripture: Mark 8:27-33

Lord, Come Quickly

Lord, Come Quickly

Discussion Guide

4-28-2013

Scripture:       Revelations 22:20

                        Come, Lord Jesus

Synopsis:        The Latter part of Revelations begs God to come quickly and end the world as we know it today.  John knows that we have it right if we have Jesus and that to keep the world                       ongoing will make life tougher for God's followers.  Earlier in this book Jesus speaks to the 7 churches of Asia and tells them what they are doing right, wrong and what they can                    improve.  The message of the book is that in Christ, we win.

Discussion Questions:

1.         Why should we be ready for Jesus to come back to this world?

2.         Why is it important to remember that we are fallen in the eyes of God?

3.         What are the results of our fallen nature?

4.         What must we do to be ready for Christ's Second Coming

5.         Are you ready for Jesus to come back?

Scripture:                   Matthew 24:25

                                    Rev. 22:7-13

Paul's Final Words

Discussion Guide

April21, 2013

1. Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I      know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

2. Synopsis: Paul is writing Timothy one last letter, in this letter there is a lot of wisdom for his protégé and friend to digest.  Paul is telling him the benefits of following Christ and the pitfalls of being a leader.  Timothy will soon be on His own and need to fend for himself.

Questions for Discussion

1) Why is there no shame in following Christ and Paul?

2) What are we called to do for God?

3) What attitude is to bridle us as we seek to keep speaking sound words?

4) Why would we guard the message of God?

5) What instructions were Timothy given about discipling other followers?

6) What is the unmistakable core truth that Paul wants to make sure that Timothy never ever forgets to teach?

7) Why is arguing over words so bad?

8) What is Paul's final exhortation? Why is saved for last?

Scripture:
All of 2nd Timothy

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Discussion Guide

April 7, 2013

1. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer

2. Synopsis: After being baptized on the day of Pentecost the New Christians faced changes in every aspect of their lives. Their families and friends who did not convert parted ways with them. Their community around them fell apart. Eventually they would be shunned from the temple and synagogue. This was part of the price of following Jesus. What price have you paid?

Questions for Discussion


1. What do you think of when you hear the words "New Beginnings"?


2. Where do you Find Stability in a time of Change?


3. What was the result of their change?


4. What is God’s message for us today?

Scripture:
Acts 2:42-47

7 Sayings of the Crucifixion
Jesus' Last Words
Discussion Guide
March 31, 2013


1. Scripture: Lk 23:34
"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.

2. Synopsis: Jesus speaks 7 times while on the cross. These quotes demonstrate His passionate love for everyone in the world.

Jesus also make many statements after His resurrection, we need to listen to Him.

Questions for Discussion


A. What does Jesus mean when He says forgive them, Father?



B. When Jesus tells the criminal He will see him in paradise, what was He talking about?



C. What are the implications of handing off the care of His mother to John?



D. When we read the two statements taken from Psalm 22 that Jesus speaks, what is He telling us?



E. Why would Jesus mention His thirst on the cross?



F. When Jesus committed His spirit to His Father what was He saying?



Scripture:

Luke 23:34 Luke 23:43 John 19:26 Matthew 27:46

John 19:28 John 19:30 Luke 23:46

Denying Jesus

"Denying Jesus"
Discussion Guide
3-24-2013

Text: Luke 22:48

48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Synopsis:
At some point we must choose to follow Jesus. To choose Him we must know who He is and what he can do for us and through us. Satan wants us to deny Him and His power. Satan uses all kinds of excuses and means to lure us down the wrong path. Two choices exist. Follow Him or Deny Him. You get to choose!


Discussion Questions

1. What is the kiss of death?


2. What is the main factor in the denial of Jesus in the first centry?


3. Who all denied Jesus in the Gospels?


4. Is the world any different today than in prior times.


5. What are ways we deny Jesus today?


6. What can we do to follow Jesus rahter than deny HIm?


• Luke 22:48 Jn 5:16-18 Jn 13:34-35 Mt 25:40
• Mt 11:28-30 Mt 11:28-30 1 Pe 5:6-8 1 Pe 5:10-11

Who Do You Say That I Am"
Discussion Guide
3-17-2013

Text: Mark 8:29 And He continued by questioning them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ." 30 And He warned them to tell no one

Synopsis:
The big question that Jesus asked His disciples in Matthews 16 and Mark 8 was simple do you know me. If you know me tell me who I am. Peter's answer remains the answer for all of us today. This is answer according to Jesus is the foundational statement of Faith in God. This answer places you in or out. Can you answer the question.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is Jesus according to the text of the New Testament?


2. Why is this still a relevant question today?


3. What is the church?


4. What exactly is a messiah?


5. What is the role of the Messiah?


6. Why is Peter rebuked by Jesus in Mark 8:33?


7. What are the major choices we have to make according to Mark 8:34?


8. What must we do to have eternal life?



Mark 8 - 9 Matthew 16 Romans 10:9 Romans 6 Acts 2:38

Do you have your ears on?

"Do You Have Your Ears On?"

Discussion Guide

3-10-2013

Text: Matt 13:9
He who has ears to hear let him hear

Synopsis: Jesus teaches that we have to choose what we want, either the world or Him? If we seek Him and His righteousness then we will be able to understand the parables of the Kingdom. If we choose the world we will remain without knowledge of Him and condemn ourselves to Hell.

Discussion Questions

1. Does the story of Jesus amaze or astound you?

2. What New Testament stories astounded and amazed people then?

3. Who are the characters in the parable of the sower?

4. What are possibilities for the seed in the story?

5. Why does Jesus teach in parables?

6. What is the job of the sower?

7. Where should seed of the kingdom be sown?

8. Why do we sow seeds?

9. How do we sow seeds?

Scripture:

Matthew Chapter 13 2 Timothy 4:2 Romans 3:23 Luke 19:10

You Must Be Born Again

"You Must Be Born Again"
Discussion Guide
3-3-2013

Text: Jn 3:7
'You must be born again.'

Synopsis: Jesus is talking to a member of the San Hedrin, a religious leader of great power. In the discussion, the leader asks how can a person be born again. Jesus answers that it is a spiritual birth, not a literally birth.

Discussion Questions

1. How was the way prepared for Jesus and who prepared the way for Him?

2. What is baptism?

3. What is an epiphany and when did one happen?

4. What are three reasons Jesus was baptized?

5. How was Jesus prepared for His ministry?

6. How did Jesus face the temptations that were placed before him by Satan?

7. Why did Jesus react to His mother asking Him to make wine out of water the way He reacted?

8. What did Jesus ultimately do regarding the wine that needed to be made?

9. Why must we be born again?

10. What are some barriers to the gospel that were broken down by Jesus at the well with the woman?


Scripture:
John 2 Matthew 3 Isaiah 40:3-5 John 3 Matthew 4

He is Here!

He is Here
Discussion Guide
2-24-2013

Text: Lk 2:10-12
I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Synopsis: The Bible, God's written word is a historical narrative about the story of God's Redemption of His People. We have watched the story develop through the Old Testament that demonstrates God's Love for His people. God's love for His people culminates in the story of Jesus Christ. In the next ten weeks we will see God's purpose in sending His one and only son to us.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some messianic scriptures from the old testament?

2. What is the significance of these scriptures

3. What is the main message of the upper story in the Old Testament?

4. What are some lower story "stories" as the New Testament begins to unfold?

5. What is a Christology?

6. What is John chapter 1 teaching us concerning Jesus Christ?

7. What does it mean to us that God has provided a savior?

8. Why is joy part of the package of having a savior?

Scripture:

Ge 1:1-3 Ge 3:15 Ge 12:2 Is. 7:14 Is. 9:6-7

Micah 5:2 Luke 1-2 John 1:1-18

A Time of Courage

A Time of Courage
Discussion Guide 2-10-2013
Text: Esther 4:14
Esther 4:14 – “For is you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Summary
Its purpose is to demonstrate God’s love and sovereignty in all circumstances. As a post-exile story about Jews who stayed behind after most returned to Jerusalem after captivity, Babylon was conquered by Persia, and Esther miraculously becomes the queen of the land and saves her people.

Discussion Questions
1. What life lessons does Haman teach us about pride, self-centeredness, and hatred?

2. In what way can we see God working behind the scenes in this story?


3. Queen Esther was willing to risk her own life to save her people. What are some examples in which we may risk everything to do what is right?

4. What main points is Mordecai trying to get across to Esther in Esther 4:13-14?

5. What types of people does God use to save His people or to make a difference?

6. An Agagite is an Amalekite, and the Amalekites were descendants of Esau and were enemies of God’s people (Exodus 17:16). How does this apply to Haman in Esther 3:1?

Scripture
Esther 2:17; Exodus 17:16; Esther 3:1-2; Exodus 20:3-5; Esther 4:13-14,16; Esther 5:12-13;
Esther 6:8-9; Esther 7:8;

Coming Home

Coming Home
Discussion Guide
2-03-2013

Text: Ezra 1:5 Then the heads of fathers' households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.

Synopsis: God exiled his people to teach them a lesson. Now it's time for the exiles to return home. It's not an easy trip to return home after many years. New people inhabit the land and wonder why you have come home?

Discussion Questions

1. What does it feel like to be stirred up by God?


2. Have you every returned to "home" after being away for a long period of time?


3. What are pros and cons of coming home?


4. Where did the people live after the exile?


5. What brought them back together?


6. How was the new leadership picked?


7. How did these new leaders know they were leaders?


8. How does perspective play a role in spiritual matters, then and now?


Ezra 1-6

Standing in the Fire!

Standing In The Fire
Discussion Guide
1-27-2013

Text:

Daniel 3:15
c what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"
Summary - Daniel and his countrymen are exiled into Babylon, where they are trained as managers and statesmen. Their religious preference causes friction between the locals, the king and all of them. Daniel and His people stand up for what they believe and are rewarded by God.

Discussion Questions

1. What were the struggles of Daniel and His people as the story begins?

2. What is the first dream and its meaning

3. What is Nebbie's reaction to the dream interpretation?

4. Why are Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego tossed into the furnace?

5. Who is in the fire with them?

6. What is the vision of the tree about?

7. What are Darius' s conclusions after Daniel walks out of the lions den?

8. What are some conclusions that we learned from Daniel's life?

Daniel 1 - 6

Consequences of Neglect

Consequences of Neglect
Discussion Guide
1-13-2013


Text: 2 Kings 17:15


They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves.


Discussion Questions



1. What are various forms of neglect?


2. What are ways that we lose focus on God?


3. How did Israel neglect God?


4. How do we neglect God today?


5. What was God's response to Israel?


6. What was different about Hezekiah?


7. What changes did Hezekiah make in Judah that expressed his faith in God?


8. When God calls us what is the proper response?


9. What was God's response to Hezekiah's prayer



Scripture: 2 Kings 17-20, Isaiah 6

Speaking Up For God Discussion Guide 1-06-2013 Te xt: 1 Ki 18:24 "you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." Discussion Questions 1. What are you willing to stand for? 2. How does Elisha initially rock Ahab's world? 3. What's the difference between a King and a Prophet? 4. Who was the god in Ahab's kingdom? 5. What were indications of Elijah's faithfulness? 6. What fear did Obadiah have to overcome? 7. What God did Obadiah serve? 8. Why does Ahab call Elijah the Troubler of Israel. 9. What is significant about fire? 10. What happens when Elijah calls on God to bring fire? 1 Kings 16 -18