Discussion topic for February 22, 2013.

We have introduced the term “church of the heart” to describe the church universal (the Bride of Christ) as opposed to the church organization, but with an aspect of community included.  What are the key characteristics of your “church of the heart?”  How have you found community?  What attitudes or actions do you take to maintain this church fellowship?  How would you encourage others to experience this?

Discussion topic for February 15, 2013.

Calvin will share some highlights from his mission / teaching trip to Colombia.  Watch for a theme regarding the church or the heart and how God’s ministers are equipped for service.

Discussion question for February 8, 2013.  Note: No meeting 1/25/13 or 2/1/13.

In Romans 10:17 it says that faith comes from hearing.  How do you hear?  What disciplines or practices do you use to improve your hearing?  How does that affect your faith?  What encouragement would you give to a less mature Christian about building faith?

Discussion question for January 18, 2013.

Throughout the Bible we see the giants of the faith operating in their calling and living out their purpose.  In most cases they heard a word from the Lord to describe it to them.  What have you heard from the Lord about your calling?  What promise do you claim that gives you direction?  Where can you turn when you wonder if you are being the person God intends you to be?

Discussion question for January 11, 2013.

The narcissist is completely self-referential and protects his identity from influence of others.  How is a loving relationship established with God?  What does it mean to “die to self” in true relationship?  How do we “live for Christ” without denying personal identity (victimhood) or denying Him (compartmentalization)? Describe a relationship of merged lives in terms of control, decision making, sacrifice, and free will.

Discussion question for January 4, 2013.  No meeting on December 28, 2012.

A narcissist is one that is completely self-referential.  What causes narcissism?  What is the difference between being self-aware and self-absorbed?  What symptoms indicate this level of selfishness?  What can you do to guard against becoming a narcissist?  What can you do to help someone else that has narcissistic symptoms?

Discussion question for December 21, 2012.

The Son of Man acted under the authority of God, and we have access to that authority when we are under His direct orders.  Where does power come from?  How do authority and power change things?  What limits are there to the power we have available to us?  How should we live our life based on this?

Discussion question for December 14, 2012.

God created man in His own image, and conferred on him a certain amount of authority.  What is the status of that authority now?  When can authority be used, and under what conditions?  What can be done about Christian apathy or anxiety regarding matters of authority?  What happens when there is conflict between man’s will and God’s will?  What safeguards would help you operate in greater authority?

Discussion question for December 7, 2012.

We agreed that the most important tool for making godly decisions is to establish a lifestyle of listening to the Holy Spirit.  How do you turn off the noise and distractions of the world?  How do your mental filters work?  What is your most effective strategy for listening?  What is your “go to strategy” when listening becomes difficult?  How do you use disciplines and habits to change your character?

Discussion question for November 30, 2012.  No meeting on the 23rd.

How can you know how things really ought to be?  In other words, our expectations are set by something, so how can we be certain that our expectations are what God wants?  How do I trust the Lord, and make decisions according to His will?  What criteria should I use when I make plans?  What traps and pitfalls should I be aware of to ward off mistakes?