Discussion question for April 29, 2022.

Foreign missions have been a part of the church for many generations. What is the proper motivation for going to distant lands? What compels a Christian to go to Africa? What are some pitfalls in foreign missions? How does the cultural differences work to the benefit of the gospel, and how is it detrimental? What abut the “curse of Ham” and the role it plays in the conditions of Africans? What spiritual strongholds are faced in Africa that are not faced domestically?

Discussion question for April 22, 2022.

We are instructed to be “praying at all times in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18). What are the indicators that you are praying in the Spirit? What benefits do you receive from praying in the spirit? What can you do to encourage the Spirit to intercede for you, as described in Romans 8:26? How can you pray with your spirit and with your mind, as mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:15? What gets in the way of your prayer life? What conditions or tools have you found to be effective to help you pray in the Spirit?

Discussion question for April 15, 2022.

When we first become aware of God it is appropriate to be awestruck and realize that He is everything and we are nothing. How do you process the awe factor? What benefit does a sovereign God derive from your worship? What is the role of praise in establishing relationship? How have you experienced God respond to praise? What difference does it make to you that God initiated relationship with you, and that it was not originally your idea? What symptoms of intimacy are you experiencing with God?

Discussion question for April 8, 2022.

There are places in the Bible that ask us to pray for the nation of Israel, and Psalm 2:8 says to ask Him for the nations. Does God delay His will or taking action until we pray? What is God looking for from us regarding prayer? How do our prayers benefit us? How do they benefit others? What encouragement would you give to a new believer who is trying to understand the purpose of prayer? How do you distinguish between asking for something in prayer versus putting the Lord to the test? How is your relationship with God strengthened through your prayers?

Discussion question for April 1, 2022.

Churches are not exempt from misuse or abuse of authority, with examples in recent history. What is God’s intention with a chain of command? How should a congregant submit to authority? What should a church body do when a conflict arises between their leader’s authority and their understanding of God’s ways? What are the greatest threats in a Christian organization that could lead to abuse of authority? How should people protect against such abuses? How do you explain egregious acts in the church when confronted about it by a person who has taken offense at the sin?

Discussion question for March 25, 2022.

The patriarchs and leading men of the Bible seem to have heard direct words from the Lord. How does He talk to you when He needs to get your attention? How does He talk to you when you are “calmed and quieted” like a weaned child? What have you done to open your heart to His voice? How well do you know God, and how well does He know you? What do you do to increase your understanding about Him? How does that influence your understanding of Him?

Discussion question for March 18, 2022.

Jesus said, “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) What are some of the pitfalls of a world of bad news? How does tribulation or trouble make you feel? What does it do to your attitude, and what is one thing you must guard yourself against? How does a steady diet of bad news effect a community, a nation, or a world? What does it mean to your attitude that Jesus has overcome the world? How can you influence others in a world full of trouble?

Discussion question for March 11, 2022.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is happening halfway around the world, but its effects are global. What impact does this have on your emotions? How does it change your prayer strategies? What does this international conflict cost you? What are you called to do in response to this action? What does God feel, think, and want in this situation? In what ways do you agree with God in this matter?

Discussion question for March 4, 2022.

We have agreed on the importance of spending time with God in order to develop a deeper relationship. What have you implemented successfully to allocate time for this in your schedule? How do you make time for prayer and reflection when a particular need arises? What are your favorite disciplines about devotions? How have you restarted after experiencing a time away from this practice? What would you say about it to a son or spiritual son to encourage them to engage in this way of interacting with God?

Hebrews 4:16 invites us to approach the throne of grace boldly; with confidence, and Psalm 25:9 says that the humble receive salvation. What does it mean to you to be humble? How does pride affect your willingness to pray? What entitles you to address God and expect Him to answer? How do you test your heart and motives when you need to hear from God, or feel that He hasn’t listened to you? We know how pride can be expressed in boldness, but how can humility increase boldness? How can you increase your confidence to approach the LORD?