Discussion question for May 26, 2023.

The world makes an idol of money, and even Christians are influenced by that.  What does stewardship mean to you in the realm of money?  How has God been your provider in the past, and what examples give you hope that He always will be?  What would you do if you had unlimited resources?  How does the connect with your understanding of the call of God on your life?  What are your impressions of those who are wealthy in this world?  What are your impressions of those who are poor in this world?  How does Proverbs 30:8 influence your relationship with God?

When Jesus taught in parables that some would not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, He used the phrase: “I never knew you.”   (See Matt 25:1-13; Matt 7:21-23; Luke 13:23-30)  How does it feel to know that some will not enter in? What does it take for Jesus to know you?  How well do you know Him?  What strengthens your relationship with Jesus?  How do you keep your relationship with Him growing?  What tempts you to return to your former way of life?  What builds your confidence that He knows you?

Discussion question for May 12, 2023.

The Post-Pentecost believers in Acts began to meet together as the early church.  What motive drew them together, and what seemed to hold them together?  What forms of leadership were modeled then that are still appropriate for the church today?  How are the needs of the members of a church supposed to be met?  What would you say is the purpose of the modern-day church?  How is that effectively expressed?  What are the most important attributes of a healthy church?  What do you look for in a church home?

Discussion question for May 5, 2023. NOTE: No meeting on April 21 or 28.

The Bible instructs us not to neglect to meet together, but to encourage one another, stirring up one another to love and good works (Heb 10:24-25).  How does trauma experienced in previous relationships affect your willingness or ability to engage with others?  What have you done to protect yourself from projecting past traumas into current situations, causing them to be self-fulfilling prophecies for harm?  How do you guard your attitude toward others when you first meet, or as you get to know them?  What conditions allow you to openly share yourself with others?  When are you tempted to put up a false front or withdraw from relationship?  What is one thing you wish you had known sooner that you would like to share with others about healthy relationships?

Discussion question for April 14, 2023.

Joshua 24:14 says that we are to fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and faithfulness.  What is the difference between this fear and the kind of fear that Jesus spoke to when He said: “Fear not”?  How do you describe the emotion of fear, and what is its purpose?  What happens when you fear the Lord?  How does this fear change your heart and mind?  What indications do you give off when you are fearing the Lord, and how would anyone else know?  How do you model a fearful relationship with God to those you are discipling?

Discussion question for April 7, 2023.

Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit at all times.  What does it mean to pray in the Spirit?  What other forms of prayer have you practiced?  How do you manage your prayer life to increase opportunities to obey this exhortation?  What does praying in the Spirit feel like, and what does it accomplish?  How can you help the ones you disciple to pray this way?  What effects have you seen from praying in the Spirit?  How does your prayer influence the Kingdom of Heaven?

Discussion question for March 31, 2023.

Last week we talked about truth as a person, Jesus Christ, and how to walk in the Spirit of truth.  How do you steward the truth God gives you?  When have you been given opportunity to share the truth with a non-believer?  What happens when you share truth rather than opinion?  When have you been given opportunity to share the truth with a fellow believer?  What happens when the Spirit speaks truth through you?  How can you live your life in a way that increases your opportunities to share truth with others?

Discussion question for March 24, 2023.

Pilate famously asked this question of Jesus but did not wait for an answer though Truth was standing right in front of him.  How do you define truth?  What makes something true or false?  What are your thoughts about an absolute truth?  In a world of constant information flow, what do you consider to be your most reliable source of truth?  How do you distinguish and filter out falsehood that masquerades as truth?  How do you guard yourself against confirmation bias?

Psalm 144:1 declares that the LORD “trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”  Ephesians 6:12 refers to the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces as the enemy of the Kingdom.  What tools has God given you for this warfare?  What are your marching orders?  How do you prepare for battle, and how do you engage?  What is your level of authority and area of responsibility in areas of government, economics, education, and so on?  How does your action or inaction change things?  What do you think God feels, thinks, and wants in this time?

Discussion question for March 3, 2023.

Discernment can be a strength and a spiritual gift.  How have you seen the strength of discernment play out?  What does the spiritual gift of discernment offer?  When have you experienced discernment as a tool?  What are the guiding principles of the gift of discernment?  How can this gift become unredeemed, or used in an inappropriate way?  What risks does the discerner take?  How will you use discernment in community for the growth and maturity of all?