Discussion question for August 21, 2020.

Life can be hard, and 2020 seems to be a year of disappointments and missed expectations. What kinds of things can steal your joy? When is it appropriate to experience sadness, worry, or other unpleasant emotions? How do you tend to respond to the vagaries of life? What are the best tools you have for getting back to a place of peace? How often do you experience joy compared to other emotions? What would you like to do to create a mood of joy?

Discussion question for August 14, 2020.

We read about the Syrian siege and desperate poverty in 2 Kings 7, during the time of Elisha. How did the desperate condition of the people of Israel influence their faith? When have you been in a situation similar to the lepers who went into the enemy camp? What motivates your boldest actions? What can you expect in response from God? How does your current circumstance influence your faith? How can you know the deliverance of God is coming?

Discussion question for August 7, 2020.

Paul wrote in Galatians 5 that we should put to death our worldly passions, and then offers a long list of examples. What do you consider to be the foundation of passion? Why does Paul warn us the way he does? How should Christians live in this world? How did Jesus demonstrate passion? What desires can you pursue, and which ones must be put to death? How do the fruit of the Spirit compare or compensate for the former passions?

Discussion question for July 31, 2020.

The Israelites made some very important decisions by casting lots, from selecting priests to assigning portions of the Promised Land. The disciples also cast lots to select Judas Iscariot’s replacement. What is your experience with casting lots? How does God make His will known for important decisions? Where are the Urim and Thummim now? Would you cast lots to determine your next course of action or response to an opportunity? How do you reconcile chance and predestination? What impact would casting lots have on your faith?

Discussion question for July 24, 2020.

The Apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 1:2) What is your working definition of the soul? What evidence do you look for to determine if “it is well with my soul?” How much does your health and prosperity depend on your soul-condition? What change would you need to see to know that it is well? What is one area of your life that you are trying to bring into compliance with this verse? For whom do you pray this prayer?

Discussion question for July 17, 2020.

God has a purpose for your life, and invites you to participate in what He is up to.  What do you believe is your next assignment from Him?  How do you discover His will?  What are you doing to fulfill His will?  What have you learned to do without during this disruption? What have you learned to do differently? How do you encourage other believers to discover what is next for them?

Discussion question for July 3, 2020.

God repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous, and by extension He commands us the same. How do you define courage? What does courage look like in your current life circumstances? How do you demonstrate strength? What enemies are you facing, and how do you show strength and courage against them? What would someone say about you to affirm that you are strong and courageous? What threatens your ability to obey? How cheerful is your heart?

Discussion question for June 19, 2020.

There is no shortage of opinion and strong feelings stirred up by the current protests and riots. What is your attitude toward people groups who are marginalized? How do you handle the privilege of your life? What is the loving thing to do in the case of unrest and expression? What is your responsibility as a child of God and kingdom citizen? What cultural bias has risen in you, and what do you plan to do about it?

Discussion question for June 12, 2020.

The gospel message and invitation for salvation rests on God’s reputation. What experience do you have that demonstrates God’s love for you? How do you know God loves others? How can suffering happen on God’s watch if He truly loves all people? Do you believe there are some that God does not love? How can you explain your answers to someone who has a twisted view, or no view, of God?

Discussion question for June 5, 2020.

The gospel message has been shared countless times over thousands of generations, and not always in a pure form. What is your most condensed version of the salvation offer? How can “that old time religion” message be redeemed? What do you hope to accomplish in or for another person by sharing the gospel with them? What are the risks inherent with evangelism? Share your favorite success story.

Contact me for Zoom log on credentials if you would like to join us this week.