Discussion question for September 3, 2010.

While discussing expectations and lifestyles, it became apparent that our frame of reference is highly impacted by our culture and traditions.  What can you expect regarding the comforts, convenience and control of the circumstances in your life?  Trusting that God has good things for us, how do we protect ourselves from allowing them to control us, or become an idol?  How should a Christian live?

Discussion question for August 13, 2010.

While discussing the role and characteristics of the “church”, we agreed that there are “church universal” aspects as well as “church local” and “church personal”.  Considering a church to be defined as a body of people associated together, what role should that congregation play in the life of the individual believer?  How does the corporate group differ from the single person?  What core values are consistent throughout the world?  What are God’s expectations or desires for this “church”?

Discussion question for August 6, 2010.

There are various ways to understand the church, and what it is.  What role should the church play in the life of a believer?  What does Scripture teach us about the church?  How can we discern among our traditions which are meaningful and which are distractions?  What personal insights have you gotten as you ponder this question?

Discussion question for July 30, 2010.

We are instructed to “be wise” and to “get wisdom.”  How would you define wisdom?  How does it compare to information and knowledge?  What standards can be used to measure wisdom, so that y0u know when you’ve gotten it?

Discussion question for July 23, 2010.

Last week we discussed the difference between walking in the Spirit compared to operating out of our soul.  Many Christians talk about the power of claiming the promises in the Bible, so how should we approach this?  In what ways might those promises be claimed according to our flesh?  How do we know that we have the mind of Christ?  What expectations are appropriate for the submitted Christian?

I presented information on the topic of the body, soul and spirit that was taught during the Abide Ministry School of Prayer at the end of June.  The “body” is the earthly container for physical, emotional and spiritual parts of the person.  The “soul” is the invisible part of the person that includes the mind, will and emotions.  The “spirit” is the ‘image of God’ infused into the created person.

Discussion question for July 2, 2010.

Last week we talked about the eternal part of our identity.  What about those that reject God?  What are the consequences for their choice?  Where do we get our concepts of heaven and hell?  How do you solve the conundrum of a loving God that is also perfectly just?

Discussion question for June 25, 2010.

We talked about dying to self, and how important that is to make a way to be conformed to the image of Christ.  That would mean part of the self (or identity) would be diminishing.  What is left?  How will you be you in the afterlife?  Will there be any difference for those destined to heaven or hell?  Is your understanding distinct from other (Eastern) religions?

Discussion question for June 18, 2010.

Last week we talked about testing for the true motive for performance, whether something is done out of love or self-interest.  Paul writes that we are to “die to self” and to live for Christ.  How can we do that in 2010?  What does it mean to our co-workers, family, community?  How does the role of leadership and responsibility fit with this?  What are some practical ways to ascertain true motive?

Discussion question for June 11, 2010.

There is a potential dualism between performance for the glory of the Lord and performance for the sake of righteousness.  Believing that we are saved by faith, and not by works, how can we improve our ability to serve the Lord?  What practical ways can we manage our life or lifestyle to increase effectiveness?  Where do we draw the line so that we do not boast?  What motivation is appropriate for serving the Lord?