Discussion question for September 1, 2023.

Jesus said He is “gentle and lowly in heart” as He invites us to come to Him (Matt 11:28-29).  How does He demonstrate His gentleness?  What does it mean to be lowly in heart?  How should you think to emulate the humility of Jesus?  What traits are evident in Moses, who was described as being the most humble man?  How can you guard your heart to remain humble?  How does shame or pride interrupt humility?  How does your humility influence your ability to love God and others?

Discussion question for August 25, 2023.  Note: no meeting on August 18.

The Lord convicted the church of Ephesus for being busy with good things but for having lost their love.  When did you realize you had fallen in love with the Lord?  How do you act because of this loving relationship?  What could cause you to lose this first love?  How do you keep the passion alive in your relationship with God?  How do you keep it alive in your relationships with others?  What does sacrifice have to do with love?  What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of a deeper walk with God?

Discussion question for August 11, 2023.

God invites us to participate in His work, and our part is to accept the invitation.  What has been your experience with divine appointments?  How do you know you are being invited into something special?  What patterns have you experienced in these circumstances that prepare you to be ready?  Share an example of a divine appointment you accepted.  How do you feel when God invites you into something for the first time?  What has helped you grow in the faith for obedience?

Discussion question for August 4, 2023.

We should always be ready for an invitation from God to participate in His work.  How do you abide with Him, and what does that look like as you listen for His voice?  What have you learned about consecrating yourself as a temple of the Lord?  How do you keep defilement out of your life, and what worldly temptations face you?  What rhythms have you developed to stay in readiness?  How do you manage your energy levels?  What do you do to create open spaces in your calendar for obedience?  How would you encourage one who is younger in the faith to establish an attitude of acceptance?

Discussion question for July 28, 2023.  Note: No meeting on July 21.

A vibrant relationship is ongoing and constantly growing.  What has God invited you into?  What is His plan for you “hope and a future”? How have you been abiding with Him, and what does that look like in your world?  What invitation has God extended to you that you wish you had accepted?  What request have you made of God that you’re still hoping He will do?  What would you like to see disappear so your relationship with God will grow?

Discussion question for July 16, 2023.  Note: no meeting on July 9.

The greatest commandments are to love God completely and to love others as yourself.  How do you show your love to those around you?  What responses do you have to those who have hurt you?  How do you describe unconditional love?  When have you experienced it?  How well do you demonstrate it?  How do you love the unlovable?  What gets in the way of your love, and what must you do to increase your love capacity?

Discussion question for June 30, 2023

Jeremiah asked: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” in Jer 12:1, and the Psalmist asks the same questions regarding the wicked, evildoers, and corrupt rulers (Ps 94).   Why doesn’t God render justice against corrupt politicians?  Why does He allow disgusting ideologies to be promoted in our country and in our educational systems?  What should be our Christian response to these attacks against morality?  Why doesn’t God use His sovereignty to wipe out our enemies? How is our time similar or dissimilar to the ancient Israelites? What emotional response is appropriate to this conflict? What does Go want us to do about it? How does 2 Pet 3:8-9 influence your thinking?

Discussion question for June 23, 2023.

God commanded against idolatry, that no carved images or other likenesses be made of Him.  What mistakes does God protect us from with this law?  How does our view of Him limit our understanding?  What can we think about that allows us to approach God in a practical way?  How can you share the truth about God without some references to images or limiting views?  Who does God say that He is?  How does His description help you get to know Him better?  Have you ever asked God to show you His glory (Ex 33:18)?

Discussion question for June 16, 2023.  Note: No meeting on June 9.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians that spiritual gifts are given to the body for the equipping of the saints to full maturity (Eph 4:11-15).  How would you assess your level of maturity?  What conditions indicate maturity or immaturity?  How do you describe Christian maturity?  Who do you need to come alongside you for continued maturing?  How do you know you are growing in the Lord?  What do you yet hope to achieve or discover in your relationship with God?  Where are you investing in the maturing of the body?

Discussion question for June 2, 2023.

Psalm 16:11 says that in the presence of the LORD there is fullness of joy, and John 15:11 says that the previous words of Jesus are given so our joy will be full. How would you describe this fullness? How do you see joy expressed in your church, work, family, community? What role does hope play in joy? What is your best strategy to experience joy at all times? How do you build your expectation of joy for the future? What robs your joy, and how do you defeat that?