Leader's Guide week of 1/4/09

Small Group Questions - Hey small group leaders! Our small groups officially start up next week, so we don’t have the normal questions on the back of Sunday's outline. For groups that are meeting this week, take time to share which of these main point ideas we talked that you can grow in, and continue to work on the small group project from last week.

Small Group Leader's Guide December 28, 2008

Series: Life Together

Getting Started - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 gives several instances when two are better than one – Read the verse and then share a time when you experienced one of these “two are better than one” situations in your life?

Digging Deeper

1) Acts 1:14 says that the disciples “all joined together constantly in prayer”

• A) What, if any, value is there to praying with others, as opposed to praying alone? Is there a spiritual advantage to praying together? Is there a moral support advantage, an accountability value?

• B) One a scale of 1 to ten, ten being best. How is your current prayer life?

• C) Besides on Sunday, when do you pray with other believers? Why do you think it’s hard for some people to pray out loud?

2) Acts 2:44 shares an interesting aspect of the early church, they “were together and had everything in common.” Why do you think they did that? What value would there be in holding property in common? What spiritual purpose might there be for doing that?


Small Group Project - As a small group member, you know the benefit of gathering with believers during the week. We want to get as many members as possible in small groups. We’re asking the small groups to have an “invite a friend night” for their small group.

1. Pick a date to have an “invite a friend focus” The week of January 11th is the start of the new small session, so that is probably the best time.
2. Spend time as a group and help each group member come up with the name of one church member they can invite
3. Make a commitment to pray for the person you’re going to invite
4. As a group, when you meet next week, follow up on how the invitations are going?
5. Are there any changes in your group, or anything special you could make on that day to make the group more welcoming to someone who is new?
6. What are some of the dynamics that might keep someone from attending a small group? What encouragement could you give to overcome those hindrances?

Small Group Check Up – The beginning of the year is a good time to do a health check up. There are three activities we hope to see in each small group.

• Interactive Bible study – A time to study the Bible together
• One Another Sharing – a time for people to share what’s going on in their lives. In larger groups, members often split up into groups of 3 for this time.
• One Another Praying – a time for people to be prayed for. In many groups, the men and women split up for the sharing and prayer time.

Check Up Question - What’s one improvement you could personally contribute to improve the Bible study time, sharing time, or prayer time?


Small Group Idea for the first quarter of 2009 - Acts 2:46 says that the early Christians “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”. When you could you plan a potluck, or a dinner out together?

• An Idea: You can pick whatever time works best for you, but the week leading up to Easter (the week starting April 5th) there will be no small group questions, that might be a good time to plan a social event.

Leader's Guide 12/21

Small Group Leaders Guide December 21, 2008

Series: The Christ-Mas Prophecy

In this weeks Small group questions we’re going to look at two of the names of Christ found in Isaiah 9 – Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.

Wonderful Counselor

Getting Started - Isaiah describes the messiah as a wonderful counselor. In what ways is Christ a wonderful conselor?

Digging Deeper #1- Look at these other verses that describe God as a counselor - Psalm 32:8-9, Psalm 73:24, Isaiah 28:29. What stands out to you from any of the above verses?

Digging Deeper #2- Look at these verses where the wonderful counselor, Jesus, describes another counselor. Who is the counselor? What is the relationship between Christ as a counselor and this other counselor He sends?

• John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever--
• John 14:26 But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
• John 15:26 "When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
• John 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Application

1) In what way do you need wisdom?

2) In Revelation 3:28 Christ provides some specific counsel, what is it? What is the problem Christ is addressing, what solution does He suggest, what does this mean?

Prince of Peace

Getting Started - In what ways does Christ bring peace. Peace with God, peace with people, inner peace?

Digging Deeper – Read the following verses, what do they tell us about the kind of peace that Christ brings.

• Acts 10:36
• Ephesians 2: 11-19
• Colossians 1:18-22

Application – Christ brings peace to our hearts when, our hearts is troubled. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does this verse tell us regarding how to appropriate (or access) that peace?

1Sam17/ Leader's Guide 12/14/08

Small Group Leaders Guide December 14, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Surround Yourself with Big People
1Samuel 17

Relationship Review – This Sunday, we focused on relationships, who you surround yourself with. The following are questions to help you think through some of your past and present relationships

1. Who was influential in you coming to know Christ and/or your earlier years as a new believer? What about them made a difference?

• Help members identify what about the person made a difference. What is something they said, something they did, who they were? Is that a quality the group member is turning around and sharing with others?

2. Right now, who can you turn to for Godly advice and spiritual help?

3. Besides your immediate family, if you needed to call someone at 2:00 am in the morning to ask for help, who would it be?

4. Right now, is there believer that you’re investing in spiritually? Who? If not, who could that person be?

5. Right now, who is someone that you’re investing in, that doesn’t know Christ? If you don’t have someone, who could that person be?

• Help members to think through someone they can begin praying for, building a relationship with, reaching out to

Read the story of David’s men bringing him water in 2 Samuel chapter 23, verses 13-17.

1. Why do you think David shared his desire for a drink of water from this specific well out loud? Was he expecting someone to act on it or not?

2. Why do you think the men risked so much to get the water? Was it loyalty? bravery?

3. After all the work and risk they went through, why didn’t David drink the water?

• At first glance it may seem like a waste to take this gift that cost so much risk and pour it out, but David seems to do it out of respect for their sacrifice. It’s like when someone offers you a gift that is too much, don’t deserve it.

4. What does David’s response say about David?

5. In this story, David’s men went the extra mile for David? Can you share a story of when someone went the extra mile for you?

David’s Mighty Men - 2 Samuel 23 tells of David’s mighty men. On Sunday we looked at several of the stories.

1. Besides courage, are there other character qualities you see in this chapter?

2. David surrounded himself with people who were courageous. Are you facing a situation that requires courage? If so, share how God is helping you to face it?

Small Group Application – One of the goals of our small groups is to provide a setting for Christ-Centered Relationships to Develop.

1. What’s one thing your small group members could know about you, that could help them encourage you spiritually?

2. What’s one suggestion you could offer to improve the relationship building that happens in your small group?

Personal Application – Based on the relationship review above, are there steps you can take to strengthen an existing relationship or start up a new one?

1Samuel 24 / Leaders Guide week of 12-7-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
December 7, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Act Big When Others Act Small
1Samuel 24

Getting Started:
1. How do you think David was able to cut a piece of Saul’s robe off without getting busted?

• Saul may have laid his robe down in one part of the cave, and attended to his needs in another part, so David did not have to get right next to Saul to cut off a corner of his robe. Or, it may also be that there was enough noise and commotion from the thousands of men outside of the cave, along with their horses, so that David was simply undetectable.

Going Deeper:
2. Read verses 1-4. What made David decide, “I won’t kill Saul; instead I will just cut off the corner of his robe”?

• He knew that God’s promise said, “You will inherit the throne of Israel.” He knew that Saul was in the way of that promise. But he also believed it was disobedient of him to kill Saul, because God put Saul in a position of authority, and it was God’s job to take care of Saul, not David’s. David wanted the promise to be fulfilled, but he refused to try and fulfill God’s promise himself.
• Sometimes, when we have a promise from God, we think we are justified in sinning to pursue that promise. A husband may say, “God has promised me abundant life according to John 10:10. God wants me to have fullness of joy according to Psalm 16:11. I can’t have abundant life or fullness of joy being married to my wife, so I am going to leave her because I have found someone who does give me fullness of joy and abundant life. Thank you Lord for Your promise!” This is always sin. God will fulfill His promises, but He will do it His way, and do it righteously. Instead, we should be like Abraham, who obeyed God even when it seemed to be at the expense of God’s promise, willing to sacrifice the son of promise (Genesis 22).

3. In verse 5, it says David was conscience-stricken. What does that mean and why does he feel that way? Have you ever felt that way after something you had done?

• David saw Saul as the anointed of God and therefore, his leader. He was grieved that he had done something against a person whom God placed in authority over His people and accordingly, was worthy of the utmost reverence, respect and honor.
• David knew better than anyone that Saul was a troubled and corrupt leader, yet it was in God’s power to take him away - and David would not put his hand to do what was only the Lord’s to do.

4. Look at the question David asks in verse 9. Did Saul’s fear/hatred of David come from others or from Saul himself? Why does David ask the question in this way?

• I don’t know for sure why David asks this way but here’s a thought: David showed great kindness and tact to Saul. Saul’s fear of David came from Saul himself, and not from anyone else. But David puts the blame on nameless others, so that it is easier for Saul to say “They were wrong” instead of “I was wrong.”
• Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
• 1Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

5. What are some Bible verses or passages that teach about how we should respond to those who trouble us?

• Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
• Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

6. God told David he would be king. God also told him that He would deliver Saul into his hands to do whatever he pleases. When David had the chance to kill Saul with God’s permission, why didn’t he do it?

• 1Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?

7. Wouldn’t David have been in the right to kill Saul? When has feeling like you are “in the right” caused you to do something, or consider doing something wrong?

8. Read verses 8-10. David wouldn’t lift his hand against Saul because he was the “Lord’s anointed.” What does this say about David’s perception of his relationship with Saul? What does this say about our relationships with those God has placed in authority?

• The phrase “touch not the Lord’s anointed” is popular among some Christians, and in some leadership circles. Often, to them, it means this: “You should never speak against a pastor or a leader. Sometimes it is used even to prevent a Biblical evaluation of a man’s teaching. They like to use David’s actions here as an example. But when David recognized that Saul was the Lord’s anointed and refused to harm him, what David would not do is kill Saul. But he did humbly confront Saul with his sin, and hope to God that Saul would change his heart. But it is entirely wrong for people to use the idea of “touch not the Lord’s anointed” to insulate a leader from all evaluation or accountability.

9. In verse 16, Saul weeps aloud. How do you explain his behavior? Did Saul change his opinions about David after this encounter?

• Nope. Keep reading.

Putting it into practice:
10. Do you find it difficult to act big when others act small? What situation are you dealing with right now that need a "big" response? Pray about that in your groups.

Quote Of The Week:
We win most when we appear to have yielded most, and gain advantages by refusing to take them wrongfully. The man who can wait for God is a man of power.
--F.B. Meyer

Worship / Leader Guide week of 11-30-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 30, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Worship A Big God

Getting Started:
1. Describe for your group, what it might look like for you to “dance with all your might.” Demonstrate if necessary.

Going Deeper:
2. Read 2Samuel 6:12-15. What got into King David that made him start dancing? What is likely to happen if you made such a public display? Read verse 16.

3. Share some of your favorite verses that point to how “big” God is.

• Romans 8:31-39
• Genesis 1:1
• Psalm 19
• Psalm 33
• Psalm 103
• Revelation 21:1-7
• Luke 9:43
• Philippians 3:4-8
• 1Chronicles 29:14

4. In 1Chronicles 22:6-8, God wouldn’t allow David to build the temple because “you have shed much blood and have fought many wars.” And we all know about the Bathsheba incident! Yet, in 1Samuel 13:14, David is described as a man after God’s own heart. How can someone with blood on his hands and adultery in his heart be a man after God’s own heart? What does it take to be a person after God’s own heart? What doesn’t it take?

• If David is the example, we can easily see that we don’t have to be perfect people to be used by God.
• Even though David made big mistakes, he was repentant and willing to be corrected.

5. What is worship? What definition would you find in a dictionary for worship?

• Two words that are common in definitions for worship are “adoration” and “devotion.”

6. In the life of David we see worship as a common thread. Read Psalm 63. How does David show a heart of worship in this psalm? When do you long for God the most?

7. When do you feel most worshipful? Is there a certain verse, passage, song, etc that really helps you come into God’s presence with a heart of worship? Share that with your group.


Putting it into practice:
8. Are you in a “dry and weary land” in some sense right now? What do you think David would suggest if you could ask him for advice? What would members of your small group suggest?

Quote Of The Week:
God is not safe, and He will not be squeezed into some neat, respectable Sunday discussion. God in a box – with a little package of hot sauce and a toy surprise. No. To know God at all is to watch Him explode any box we put Him in with His terror, majesty, and indescribable wonder.
--James MacDonald

"Baptizing them..."

Let's praise God! More than twice as many people were baptized this year than last year at our church. On Sunday, six more people were baptized.

Click here for photos of the baptism

Before I perform a baptism, I always bring the "baptizees" together to explain to them what they can expect when they come into the water.
The best part of our short visit together is when I ask them two questions:

1. What has brought you to this point in your life?
2. What does being baptized today mean to you?

God is doing powerful things in our church. Hearing these people talk about the ways God is moving in their lives and drawing them closer to Him is inspiring to say the least.

Their stories are God's stories.

1Samuel 17 / Leader Guide week of 11-23-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 23, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Take On A Giant
1Samuel 17

Getting Started:
1. Who’s the tallest person you know?

Going Deeper:
2. As you read through this chapter, what do you think David’s perspective is of the battle between the Philistines and Israel? Why do you think he looks at it that way?

• According to verse 26, David sees the battle as one between uncircumcised Philistines and the armies of the living God.
• David sees this battle as belonging to God Himself. (See verse 47) I wonder if some of the battles we fight are God’s and we haven’t realized.

3. In verse 33 Saul makes a judgment about David’s fighting ability. Continue reading through verse 37. How does David correct Saul? Do you think there are foundational differences between David’s and Saul’s perspective of the battle? Describe them.

• David tells Saul about all the times God helped him in the past. He also points to the armies of Israel as being God’s army.
• David gives credit to God, not only for past deliverances but for the one he anticipates here as well.

4. In verse 11, fear strikes Saul and the armies of Israel. How has fear kept you from taking on a challenge? Read Philippians 4:7. Do you think God calls us to face giant obstacles through our fear or in the absence of fear?

5. In verses 38-40, Saul dresses David in armor and gives him a sword for battle. Was this helpful for David? When you have faced giant challenges in your life, have you ever fought a battle with the “wrong gear?” Describe what happened.

6. Read Romans 8:31-39. There’s no question here. Just read Romans 8:31-39.

• Romans 8:31 What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

7. Why did David have such great faith? Read verses 34-37. How has God’s past work in your life increased your hope, expectation and faith in Him?

Putting it into practice:
8. Are you facing a giant right now? Share with your small group and pray for each other.

Quote Of The Week:
Jesus holds the answers to all of the everyday problems that you face. I am talking about an acceptance and belief in Jesus, heaven, and God. I guess you can deal with your problems on your own without these beliefs, but it’s much, much tougher. With those beliefs, you realize how insignificant the budget deficit debate is in comparison with the big picture.
--Rush Limbaugh

1Samuel 16 / Leader Guide week of 11-16-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 16, 2008

Series: Go Big
Message: Be Willing To Start Small
1Samuel 16

Getting Started:
1. Have you ever made a judgment about someone that turned out to be exactly the opposite of what the truth about that person was?

Going Deeper:
2. Read verse 1. In this verse, God asks Samuel a question and then gives him something to do. Read Exodus 14:15 and describe the similarities of the two passages.

• God doesn’t allow His work to cease because of the failure of a man. God’s sovereign will is accomplished regardless of the limitations of people. Samuel may have been paralyzed with mourning because of Saul’s disobedience, but even though God was grieved over Saul, He was not paralyzed. It was time to move on.

3. Read verse 2. Did God answer Samuel’s question or ignore it? In verse 4, we find out that Samuel did what God told him to do and traveled to Bethlehem. Why do you think the elders of Bethlehem were afraid of Samuel?

• Could it be that Samuel had just killed the king of the Amalekites.1sam 15:32-33
• I guess if the king wont be obedient to God, someone has to!

4. In verse 6, why do you think Samuel was so sure that Eliab was the one God had chosen to be the next king?

• He was tall and handsome. He looked like the kingly type. I know this is a funny answer but isn’t that the way we usually judge people, by looking at them?
• In verse 7, the Lord says to ignore the fact that from the outside Eliab looked like a leader (apparently part of this was his “height”). Saul, the king that David was replacing, was also someone tall (1 Samuel 9: 2), but didn’t have what God most valued, a heart for Him.

5. Read verse 7. What does it mean to look at someone’s heart? Is that something only God can do? How can a person see someone’s heart?

6. In verse 7, Samuel is told not to consider “his appearance or his height.” Why not? Isn’t a person’s character on the inside shown in some way on the outside? Only God can see hearts, but in life we need to make decisions about people we’re going to hang around, go into business with, and who to marry. Since we can only see the outside, can we go by observable behavior to tell us what a person is like on the inside? Is it Biblical? Can we get it wrong?

• John 7:24 Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
• Luke 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
• Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

7. To refrain from judging by appearances is good advice. What about when judging yourself?

8. In verse 3, God gives Samuel part of His plan but not all of it. Later, even though Samuel had anointed David as king, David wasn’t immediately put in charge of the kingdom. Discuss the way these verses describe the way God leads us.

9. In verse 14, we learn some bad news about Saul. Read Romans 8:9-11 and 1Corinthians 6:19-20. Would the Holy Spirit ever leave a Christian in our present age?

• Saul clearly had the Spirit of the Lord upon him at one time (1 Samuel 10:10). Yet, Saul resisted the Holy Spirit. Finally, God gave Saul what he wanted. But Saul never realized the price he would pay when the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. He didn’t realize he would be in even more bondage.

Putting it into practice:
10. Do you feel like God has something bigger for you? What can you learn from this passage about how to respond? Pray about that in your groups.

Quote Of The Week:
The world is full of idolatries, but I question if any idolatry has been more extensively practiced than the idolatry of the outward appearance.
--William Blaikie

Psalm 73 / Leader Guide week of 11-9-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 9, 2008

Series: Honest To God
Message: Dear God, Sometimes I Feel Like
Serving You Isn’t Worth It
Psalm 73

Getting Started:
1. Have you ever felt envy or anger toward someone because of that person’s prosperity? How well did you know him/her personally?

• This is a good question to illustrate the fact that we often make judgments and have feelings about things or people that we really don’t know anything about.

Going Deeper:
2. Read Psalm 73:1-2. Notice that verse 2 starts with the word, “but.” What contrast (difference) is Asaph drawing attention to?

• God is good to those who are pure in heart. But, as for me, I’m not so pure at heart. In fact, let me tell you how messed up I am. I envied the arrogant. I envied their prosperity. I longed to be like them. Because of all this, I nearly lost my foothold and slipped.

3. Read verses 4-9. Do you think Asaph is pointing to a foundational truth here? In other words, would you say that leading a life like the one described in verses 4 and 5, directly leads to the attitudes and behaviors described in verses 6-9?

• Suffering and dealing with adversity are important for building up Christian character. Without them, there may be some important character traits that never fully develop.
  
• Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
• 2Thessalonians 1:4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
• James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finisth its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

4. In verse 10, we read that the people are turning to these very healthy, strong, prosperous people to listen and learn from them. What dynamic do you see at work here? Have you ever heard a pastor or preacher (or anyone else for that matter) talk about his/her own prosperity and success? Do they often have suggestions to help you be like them?


5. Read verse 12. If God is perfectly just, why do wicked people prosper, live carefree lives and increase in wealth? How does God’s justice square up with the prosperity of the wicked?

• God’s timing is often not ours. His justice sometimes comes in eternity.
• Aren’t you glad God didn’t show His justice with you before you came to Christ?

6. Read verses 13 and 14. Is suffering bad? If Asaph has kept his heart pure and has “washed his hands in innocence,” why is he suffering so much? Doesn’t having faith in God mean that God gives that person victory over such things?

• Many of the people that you will read about in the Bible and in church history that had huge hearts for God, had very few material possessions and were ultimately killed for their faith.
• Having faith in God does not guarantee lack of suffering. In fact, it guarantees just the opposite!
• Luke 21:17 All men will hate you because of me.
• Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

7. People often have big questions regarding suffering and evil in the world. Do you think God has good reasons to want to allow such a world to continue? If so, what do you think some of the reasons are?

• He’s giving sinners time to repent. 2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
• Suffering and evil can cause people to look to Him. Jeremiah 26:3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.
• Some virtues can't exist without suffering and/or evil. Such as compassion, sympathy, justice, forgiveness, goodness, righteousness.
• Other virtues are built up through suffering such as, patience, faith, perseverance, empathy, kindness, mercy, humility, joy, gentleness, self-control.
• Sometimes suffering can be a sign of God’s love. (Hebrews 12:5-11)

8. Read verses 16-17. When you consider why suffering happens or why good things happen to bad people, do you find it difficult to understand? What helps?

9. In verse 17, what is “their final destiny?” What other passages can you think of that seem to address this question?

• Mark 10:23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"
  
• Matthew 6:2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
  
• 1Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?
  

10. Read verses 21-22. How does a person’s heart condition impact their ability to understand God, His goodness and His justice?

11. Compare and contrast verse 2 with verse 28. Describe the journey Asaph was on between those two verses in your own words. Have you been on a journey like that?

Putting it into practice:
12. Look at verse 17 and notice the word, “till.” What would it mean for you to “enter the sanctuary of God” to find understanding, hope, peace, and forgiveness? Pray about this with your groups.

Quote Of The Week:
Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a "necessary evil," it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.
--Sydney J. Harris

Psalm 51 / Leader Guide week of 11/2/08

Small Group Leaders Guide
November 2, 2008

Series: Honest To God
Message: Dear God, Sometimes I Wonder If You
Can Ever Forgive Me
Psalm 51

Getting Started:
1. Have you ever wondered if a sin you committed was more than God would forgive?

Going Deeper:
2. Read Acts 3:19 and Psalm 51:1. The verse in Acts refers to repentance. Is David showing this repentance in the Psalm verse? Why or why not?

3. Read Psalm 51:3. Do you think David is saying that, in general, he is aware of his overall sinfulness? Or, do you think he has something specific in mind? If you think he is referring to something specific, what is it?

• Before the psalm begins, we read, “For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.”
• Apparently, David does have something specific in mind.
• If you’re not familiar with David’s actions regarding Bathsheba and her husband, read about them in 2Samuel, chapters 11 and 12.
• David definitely has something specific in mind. That said, it is also clear that he understands that he is sinful by nature, to his very core.

4. Read Psalm 51:4. Did David sin against God alone or against someone else? What does he mean by saying “against you, you only, have I sinned”? Read 2Samuel 11 and 12.

• Here is what the NASB study Bible says: David acknowledges that his sin was preeminently against God. He had violated specific covenant stipulations.
• Preeminently means, “above all” or “in particular” and “especially”

5. What does the bible teach about when life begins? Does verse 5 give any indication about what God thinks regarding this question? What about these verses: Psalm 139:13-16, Luke 1:41-44, Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 1:5?

• From these verses it appears that: God is involved in the “knitting together” of our inmost being, God’s eyes see our unformed bodies even before birth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb reacted to the presence of an as yet unborn Jesus by leaping for joy, God prepares good works in advance for those not yet born, God knows us before we are formed in the womb.

6. In verse 5, David says he was sinful since the time of his conception. Are people really sinful from the time of conception? Are people counted in God’s sight as sinners before they are even born? If so, what are the implications of this belief?

• The Bible tells us that even if an infant or child has not committed personal sin, all people, including infants and children, are guilty before God because of inherited and imputed sin. Inherited sin is that which is passed on from our parents. Reproduction happens "each according to its kind." Sinners beget sinners. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, "I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." David recognized that even at conception, he was a sinner. The very sad fact that infants sometimes die demonstrates that even infants are impacted by Adam’s sin, since physical and spiritual death is the result of Adam's original sin. Each person, infant or adult, stands guilty before God. The only way that God can be just and at the same time declare a person righteous is for that person to have received forgiveness by faith in Christ. Christ is the only way. John 14:6 records what Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Also, Peter stated in Acts 4:12, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Salvation is an individual choice. But, what about babies and young children who never reach the ability to make this individual choice? Consider the following: Christ's death is presented as sufficient for all of mankind. 1 John 2:2 says Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." This verse is clear that Jesus' death was sufficient for all sins, not just the sins of those who specifically have come to Him in faith. The fact that Christ's death was sufficient for all sin would allow the possibility of God applying that payment to those who were never capable of believing. The one passage that seems to identify with this topic more than any other is 2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But, once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." David's response was, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David's response might be seen as an argument that those who cannot believe are safe in the Lord. David said that he could go to the child, but that he could not bring the child back to him. Also, and just as important, David seemed to be comforted over this. In other words, David seemed to be saying that he would once again see the child (in heaven), though he could not bring him back.
• Though the Bible leaves open the possibility, the one problem with saying that God applies Christ's payment for sin to those who can't believe is that the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject for which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. We can, however, be dogmatic about the fact that God ALWAYS does what is right.

7. If you have read 2Samuel 11 and 12, you are familiar with the extent of David’s various sins. In Psalm 51:7, David says that he can be cleansed to become whiter than snow. Does God really forgive the types of sins David committed?

8. Read verses 16 and 17. Where else have you read statements like that in scripture? What do they teach?

• Matthew 9:13
• Matthew 12:7
• Hebrews 10:5-14

9. A couple of times in this psalm, David refers to a pure, contrite, broken heart and his desire for a willing and broken spirit. Why is David asking for these things?


Putting it into practice:
10. What about this psalm reminds you of you? Pray in your groups for those who are feeling un-forgiven and lay hands on them this week.

Quote Of The Week:
What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness; I have nobody to forgive me.
--Marghanita Laski, secular humanist and novelist, before her death in 1988.

Psalm 13 / Leader Guide for 10/26/08

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 26, 2008

Series: Honest To God
Message: Dear God, Sometimes I Feel Like You’ve
Forgotten About Me
Psalm 13

Getting Started:
1. Have you ever forgotten something very important? (birthday, anniversary, child, etc)


Going Deeper:
2. Read Psalm 13:1. What does it mean for God to “hide his face” from someone? What happens when He stops “hiding” it?

• Deuteronomy 31:17
• Psalm 30:7
• Psalm 44:24
• Psalm 88:14
• Isaiah 54:8
• Isaiah 57:17
• Ezekiel 39:23-24
• Numbers 6:23-26

3. In this psalm, David feels forgotten by God. What do you think David’s faith was like? Isn’t he showing a lack of faith by feeling this way? Why or why not?

• There is a balance in life when it comes to feelings. On one extreme, some people ignore feelings, and think that feelings should have nothing to do with our relationship with God. But, God has given us feelings as an expression of His image in us. We can feel anger, love, care, sorrow, and many other feelings, because God feels those feelings. In this sense, feelings are a gift from God and a sign that we are made in His image.
• At the other extreme, some live their lives ruled by feelings. They believe whatever “reality” their feelings present them. The problem with this is that though we have feelings because we are made in the image of God, our feelings are affected by our fallenness. We can’t always trust our feelings because of this. In this sense, it is all right for someone to feel this way, and good to seek God for answers, but we should always be aware that our feelings are not always a good representation of reality.
• I guess what I’m trying to say is that expressing your feelings to God is not a sign that you lack faith.

4. In verse two, David writes that he is wrestling with his thoughts. What do you think he means by that? Have you ever wrestled with your thoughts about God? What thoughts? What was that like for you?

• Many times when confronted with problems, I have found this to be true: The more I think about the problems, the more depressed I get. But when I pray about the problems, I sometimes experience a sense of relief. Thinking about our troubles is hard work. Trouble can be like a pill God wants us to just swallow, but we make it worse by keeping it in our mouths and chewing it.

5. In verse three, David asks God to give light to his eyes. What is David really asking for? Why? Read Ephesians 1:17-19

• I think he is asking for wisdom and understanding. The New Testament sometimes uses the phrase, “eyes that see and ears that hear,” to say the same thing.
• No matter what kind of problem we are facing, we need God to give light to our eyes so that we can respond well. Often, the problem itself has a way of darkening our “vision” and clouding our ability to make a decision and take a right course of action.
• Even worse, a problem can cause us to misunderstand or doubt God and His love for us.

6. In verse four, why is David concerned about what his enemy might say or do?

• Some people view the defeat of one of God’s chosen as a defeat of God Himself.
• Any enemy of God’s that achieves an apparent earthly victory of any sort only achieves it because God has allowed it. Moreover, it is part of God’s plan to use these seeming “victories” for the good of those who love Him. Nevertheless, we want to see God win each and every battle no matter how large or small even though in fact, He does.

7. In verse five, David writes that he trusts God’s unfailing love. Why do you think he focuses on that? Why not trust in God’s justice, law, righteousness or holiness? Do you think that in verse five, God has answered the prayer of verse three?

• David may not see justice. His foes or enemies may accomplish their ends. Whether in the middle of a problem we are guaranteed to see justice is not known. But we can always count on God’s unfailing love even in the midst of injustice.

8. In verse six, David says, “I will sing to the Lord.” Is this singing an uncontrolled reaction to a heart filled with the love of God or an intentional decision to worship God in spite of the circumstances? What does this teach us about the connection between faith and feelings?


Putting it into practice:
10. What does this psalm of David teach us about how we can respond to God when we are going through difficult times? Pray that God will give light to your eyes and for His power to overcome.

Quote Of The Week:
Whenever you look into David’s Psalms, you may somewhere or another see yourselves.
--Charles Spurgeon

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Psalm 22 / Leader Guide week of 10-19-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 19, 2008

Series: Honest To God
Message: Dear God, Sometimes I Wonder If You Really Care

Psalm 22

Getting Started:
1. Have you ever questioned God’s love for you?

Going Deeper:
2. Read Psalm 22:1-2. Is it okay for David to be asking these questions of God? Is it a sin to question God in this way? At what point can questioning God cross the line into accusing God?

3. In verses 3-5, what do you think David’s main point is? Contrast these verses with verses 1 and 2.

4. Read verses 6-8. Have you ever had someone throw your faith back in your face this way? How did that make you feel? What was your response?

5. God doesn’t let Christians go through struggles and trials, right? Read verses 9-11. In verses 9 and 10, David talks about being a believer all his life. In the face of what he’s going through, why do you think he mentions that at this time?

• In verse 11, David goes to God for help. I think the fact that he has been a believer all his life is what causes him to know where to go when, “trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

6. Do you think David’s suffering was caused by God because of something David did? Does suffering ever come from the hand of God? What Bible passages teach on this subject?

• Psalm 107:17
• Proverbs 19:3
• Galatians 6:7
• Proverbs 15:10
• Hebrews 12:5-11
• Job 2:7-10
• Isaiah 45:5-7
• Lamentations 3:37-38
• Amos 4:6-13
• John 9:1-3
• Deuteronomy 8:5
• Proverbs 3:11-12

7. If someone told you that they feel like God has abandoned them, what would you say? What Scriptures would you point that person to?

• Others have felt the same way-Psalm 30:7, Psalm 31:22
• God will never abandon you-Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 37:25-28, John 14:18
• God loves you more than you can understand-Psalm 103:11,Isaiah 49:15-16, Ephesians 3:16-19
• Believe God because He doesn’t lie-Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:1-2
• Live by faith rather than feelings-2Corinthians 5:7
• Wait patiently-Psalm 37:7-9, Isaiah 40:27-31

8. What advice would you give to someone that was undergoing the discipline of God? What Scriptures would you share with that person?

• Psalm 139:23-24
• Psalm 103:8-14
• Isaiah 53:5
• 2Corinthians 5:21
• Psalm 71:20-21
• Lamentations 3:31-33
• Hosea 6:1-2
• 1Peter 5:10

9. Verse 22 marks a turning point in this psalm. Do you think the purpose of all the suffering in David’s life was meant to produce what happens in verses 22-31?

10. Psalm 22 has a prophetic thrust. It gives us a picture of Christ. In fact John 19:4 speaks of this as a scripture that was fulfilled. How many pictures of Christ can you find in this passage? Can you find the New Testament references to connections you see?

• Hebrews 2:12
• Matthew 27:46
• Matthew 27:43
• Matthew 27:35
• Matthew 27:39

Putting it into practice:
11. If you are feeling abandoned by God, go to Him and tell Him how you really feel. Pray for those in your group who are feeling like God is distant.

Quote Of The Week:
Feelings are the play of emotion over the will, a kind of musical accompaniment to the business of living, and while it is indeed most enjoyable to have the band play as we march…it is by no means indispensable. We can work and walk without music, and if we have true faith, we can walk with God without feeling.
--A.W. Tozer

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Leader Guide 10-12-08 / Romans 13

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 12, 2008

Guest Speaker: Mike Giordano
Message: What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Romans 13:7-14/Ephesians 6:11

Getting Started:
1. Do you think God wants Christians to be in debt?

• This is a play on words. In Romans 13:8 we are taught to let no debt remain outstanding except for one; the continuing debt to love one another. So, in a sense, God wants Christians to be continually in debt! :)

Going Deeper:
2. Read Romans 13:9. Do you think this passage is teaching that we should have warm feelings toward others? Why or why not?

• This can be a hard question to answer depending on what you think “love” is.
• Love is certainly an emotion. However, we would not know the love of another without an expression of that love. We cannot see emotions unless they manifest in some way. The emotion of love can prompt an action but a loving action does not require a loving feeling as a pre-requisite. Often, loving feelings follow loving actions.
• I think there are passages that teach us to have feelings for others such as sympathy and compassion. (see 1Peter 3:8) However, I don’t think this passage is referring to an emotion, but an action.
• I think love in this context is something you do and not something you feel. It is a way you behave toward others regardless of the feelings you may or may not have. That said, I also think we should have “loving” feelings toward others. Y

3. When you hear the phrase, “Love your neighbor,” who do you think of? The person who lives next door to you? The person sitting in the chair next to yours at church? Someone you work with? Which “neighbor” in your life needs some love?

4. Think about your answer to number 3 above. Specifically, what are you going to do? What does it mean to “love” your neighbor in this specific case?

5. How does the Bible define love? If you wanted to find some passages about what the Bible says love is, where would you look?

• 1Corinthians 13:3-7 is a great place to start.
• 1John 4:9-10
• 1John 5:3
• 2John 1:6
• Romans 5:8
• John 13:1-17
• Romans 8:35-39
• 1John 3:17
• John 14:24

6. Read Romans 13:11. What is it about “this present time” that we need to “understand?” How is your salvation nearer now than when you first believed?

• With each day that goes by we are all one day closer to physical death. Our lives are short compared to eternity and we have little time to make a difference in the world for the cause of Christ. So, the time to love our neighbor is now, this present time
• We live in an evil age according to Galatians 1:4. There are a lot of things that compete for our time, money, attention, worship, etc. It seems like there is something waiting to make us stumble around every corner. Our “neighbors” are certainly experiencing the same thing. Notice that in the upcoming verses, Paul refers to needing the “armor” of light. Armor is worn into battle and can save your life when under assault.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

7. Read Romans 13:12-14. In this passage, Paul mentions two things to put on or be clothed with, the Lord Jesus Christ and the armor of light. Are they the same thing? Where else in the Bible are Christians advised to put on armor or be clothed? What does it mean to be “clothed” with Christ?

• Colossians 3:9-14
• 1Peter 5:5
• Ephesians 4:24
• Ephesians 6:10-17
• Galatians 3:27
• Colossians 3:12

8. Read Ephesians 6:10-17. This passage seems to be breaking down the “full armor” into its different components (belt, breastplate, helmet, etc). Which piece of the full armor are you in need of most right now and why?

9. Read 1Peter 2:21-23 and John 13:15. In both of these passages, Jesus is setting an example for us to follow. What’s love got to do with the specific examples in these two passages? What are some practical ways we can emulate the examples before us?

Putting it into practice:
10. If your “love thermometer” is registering a little on the “chilly” side, pray with your groups for a fresh sense of the love of Christ to fill you up and warm you up. Pray about ways Christ’s love in you can be demonstrated to others.

Quote Of The Week:
More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world, and more people have been driven from the church by the hardness and ugliness of so-called Christianity than by all the doubts in the world.
--William Barclay

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Leader Guide week of 10-5-08

Small Group Leaders Guide
October 5, 2008

Series: One Week To Live
Message 5: Think Eternally

Getting Started:
1. Why do you think the subject of death causes people to think about eternity?

Going Deeper:
2. Read Revelation 20:12-15. What stands out to you most from this passage?

3. In this passage, you see the term “second death.” What is that? Is it possible for a person to die twice? In this passage, who dies twice?

4. What is Revelation 20:12-15 referring to? The “lake of fire” sounds like a bad thing. Can a person know ahead of time whether he/she will end up in the lake of fire or does a person simply have to wait for judgment to take place?

• This passage is referring to Final Judgment.
• John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
• Whoever does not believe stands condemned already. Apparently, a person can at least know if he/she will end up in the lake of fire at the final judgment.
• John 12:48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

5. In Revelation 20:12, two sets of books are mentioned. The book of life, and apparently a set of books that recorded what people had done. What is the purpose of these two sets of books?

6. Can a person know that he/she is definitely not headed for the lake of fire? What Bible passages help answer this question?

• John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
• Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

7. Being a good person in this life is all the “thinking eternally” a person needs to do, right? Why or why not? What does the Bible say about this?

8. If someone asked you how to become a Christian, what would you tell that person? If that person did what you said and came back to you later saying; “I did what you said and I don’t feel any different,” what would you tell that person then?

• We spend 2 weeks answering this question and others that are connected to it in Accelerate!
• When a person becomes a Christian, that person receives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never comes alone but always brings gifts. After a person receives the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit begin to form. Maybe not fast, maybe not suddenly, maybe not even big, but fruits cannot help but be manifested. One kumquat is all that needs to be seen to know a kumquat tree when you see one. Jesus said that we are recognized by our fruit.
• Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
• Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
• John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9. Some people find it easier to talk about God than to talk about Jesus. Why do you think this is? When thinking eternally, why is it important that the name of Jesus is part of your thinking?

• In question 9 there is a list of passages that can help in answering this question.
• What is your hope for eternal life? If it is not Jesus Christ, you have no hope.

10. Read some or all of the following passages and discuss their main points and their significance for thinking eternally: Isaiah 64:6, 1John 1:8-10, 1Peter 3:18, Mark 2:17, Romans 3:20-26, Romans 7:7, Romans 8:3, Titus 3:4-7, 2Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:13-15, 1Timothy 2:5-6, Galatians 2:21, Romans 5:8, Revelation 14:13.

11. Read Revelation 13:8. From a historical perspective Jesus was crucified in the first century A.D. In what way was Jesus slain from the foundation of the world?

Putting it into practice:
12. If your hope for eternal life is in being a good person or doing nice things for others, then you need to know God’s point of view on these things. Make a commitment to learn more about God by studying His Word.

13. Is there someone close to you who needs to know who Jesus Christ is and what He has done? Pray for him/her in your groups.

Quote Of The Week:
My wife is…a mirror. When I have sinned against her, my sin appears in the suffering of her face…The passion of Christ…is such a mirror. Are the tears of my dear wife hard to look at? Well, the pain in the face of Jesus is harder…Nevertheless, I will not avoid this mirror! No, I will carefully rehearse, again this year, the passion of my Jesus – with courage, with clarity and faith; for this is the mirror of dangerous grace, purging more purely than any other.
--Walter Wangerin, Jr.