Discussion question for July 7, 2017.

The Bible is God’s inspired word that is living and active.  How do you read your Bible to gain insight?  What techniques have you found to discover the living aspect of the Word?  When has your Bible had a powerful effect on your life choices? What disciplines or practices are so valuable that you would never interrupt them? How do you encourage a younger believer?

Discussion question for June 30, 2017.

There is a dynamic balance between waiting on the Lord and pressing ahead.  In 1 Samuel 13 we read about Saul offering sacrifices and losing his kingdom because he rushed ahead of God.  In 1 Samuel 14 we read about Jonathan pushing ahead of the army to take a Philistine garrison.  What does it mean for you to wait on the Lord?  When have you been tempted to act rather than be patient? How do you know when to move ahead as Jonathan did?  How can God declare Saul foolish yet give honor to Jonathan?  What guides you in similar matters?

Discussion question for June 23, 2017.  Note: No meeting on June 16.

Charles Templeton was a powerful ally of Billy Graham, but turned his back on God.  How can someone experience His love and then turn away?  What do you believe about backsliding based on Romans 8:38-39?  How about Hebrews 6:4-6? How sure is your faith, or what could shake it?  How do you encourage other believers?

Discussion question for June 9, 2017.  Note: No meeting on May 26 or June 2.

God knows everything, and nothing escapes His notice.  How does that influence the way He controls things?  What impact does that have on free will?  How did Jesus model how to do life with knowledge and power?  What was His attitude toward those that would reject Him, since He knew what was in their hearts?  How does this affect your relationship with God?

Discussion question for May 19, 2017.

There are many illustrations and word pictures of heaven that indicate it is a place where there is no sin.  What does it mean that we will be “done with sin” since we have crucified the sin nature?  How do you understand the nature of the heavenly places before Genesis 1 and the creation of the world?  What allowed the devil to sin in heaven?  What causes a person to sin?  How will we be changed in regard to the potential of sinning?

Discussion question for May 12, 2017.  Note: No meeting on March 28 or May 5.

God describes generational curses in Exodus 20:5, that the iniquities are visited upon the third and fourth generation.  What spiritual laws do you understand that allow this to happen?  How do you resolve this compared to Jeremiah 31:30 where it says “but everyone shall die for his own iniquity”? How have you seen a generational curse demonstrated?  How have you seen a generational blessing?  What are you doing now to sow into your future generations?

Discussion question for April 21, 2017.  Note: Dawn Service for Good Friday, April 14 at 6 AM.

Was Paul a misogynist?  In 1 Timothy 2:12 he says he doesn’t allow a woman to teach.  In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 he doesn’t allow them to speak.  Are these Christian attitudes we can embrace in the 21st Century?  How do you respond to a seeker that is troubled by the tone of these teachings?  How do these and other teachings affect your relationship with women?  How does it influence the workings of the Kingdom?

Discussion question for April 7, 2017.

In 1 Peter 4:7 we read “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”  Why were the apostles so insistent that the end was at hand?  What did Jesus say about His return? How do you explain the delay in the second coming as it is described?  What affect does the imminent return of Jesus have on the way you live your life?

Discussion question for March 31, 2017.

Last week we discussed the paradox of healing versus suffering, and agreed that God has principles based on His character and particulars based on individuals.  How actively do you pursue the promises of God regarding long life, blessings, and freedom from diseases?  What is the basis for your faith and belief system?  How do you respond to those that characterize God as mean or apathetic?  How would you describe your relationship with Him?

Discussion question for March 24, 2017.

Jesus was prophetically introduced as the Man of Sorrow, and in His life was suffering.  When is suffering godly?  How do you solve the paradox between the suffering servant and the exalted son? What does 1 Peter 4:1-2 mean to you? Where do healing and prosperity find their borders?  When is it right to pray for relief?  How do you encourage a brother in the Lord that is experiencing suffering?