Communication and resources for Bethel Small Group leaders
Posted by Dave Stone
This week we have a guest speaker, Moses Pulei.
Luke 21:1-9
What principles from this text should guide our financial giving? How does your giving measure up to these principles?
The main principle is that giving is a matter of the heart, not the amount. Another principle is that our giving patterns reflect our heart.
For each Scripture below, identify a principle(s) of financial giving. How do you measure up against them and what changes should you make to live these principles?
Proverbs 3:9 – giving off the top of our paychecks, as our first act with our finances, honors God
Haggai 2:8, 1 Corinthians 4:2 – everything belongs to God, we are stewards who need to manage money according to God’s values
Malachi 3:8-10 – we can rob God by not giving our tithes (10%) and offerings (above 10%)
Luke 12:34 - where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - by giving to God we are store up a strong foundation in Heaven
Read Luke 20:45-21:4. What comparison is Jesus making between the scribes (teachers of the law) and the widow? How do you think we should apply this to our lives?
Jesus publicly rebukes the Scribes and praises the widow. Remember last week’s lesson about the danger of looking only at the outside. In this passage, the danger is looking only at the amount given and not the heart behind it.
Jesus makes the point in verses 5 and 6 that the temple was not the important thing because it was destined for destruction. Our guest speaker, Moses, makes the point that people are our mission. Are there any “temples” (anything taking away from the importance of people) in your life?
Be sure to pray for each other.
What are you doing to build into or invest in others? (see point IIIc and IIId)
Remembering last week’s dramatic presentation and the Brian Welch video, share about any opportunities you had to speak an “honest observation” recently.
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 16:13
This week the sermon is based upon questions submitted from the congregation. Just for fun…how many “7s” can you find in the questions this week?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Toward which end of the “understanding God’s Word” spectrum (“I don’t get any of it” or “I’ve got it pretty much figured out”) do you gravitate? What are the dangers of each?
The danger of “I don’t get any of it” is that it could lead to discouragement and not reading or studying the Scripture at all. The danger of “I’ve got it pretty much figured out” is to read with a prideful, unteachable heart.
What are some of the benefits of God’s Word according to the following Scriptures? Which of these benefits do you need right now and why?
- Psalm 119:9,11, 98 – keeps us from sin, makes us wise
- Proverbs 6:22 – guides us
- Romans 15:4 – gives us hope for the future
- 1 Peter 2:2 – GROW in spiritual maturity
- Add your own (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – training in righteousness)
- Add your own (Hebrews 4:12 – cuts to the heart, life changing)
- Add your own (Psalm 19:8 – rejoices the heart)
For more benefits of God’s Word, see Core Discipleship Curriculum module 1-God’s Word: What is the Bible and How Do I Use It?
What are some of the dangers of “looking at the outside”? How can you avoid “looking at the outside?”
It is dangerous to look at the outside because the “outside” can be deceptive. Consider Jesus, King of Kings, who “on the outside” was born in a manger.
According to the following Scripture, what is the work of the Holy Spirit? Which of these would you like to experience more fully? Why?
- John 14:16 – He is a comforter
- John 16:8 – convicts us of sin
- John 16:12-14 – illuminates the Word of God, gives us understanding and insight
- Romans 8:11 – raises the dead
- Romans 8:15-16 – guarantee of salvation, our assurance of salvation
- Galatians 5:22-23 – produces fruit
- 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 – restrainer
For more on the work of the Holy Spirit, see Core Discipleship Curriculum module 2-God: Who Is He and What’s So Great About Him?
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit restrains (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)? What will happen when God removes the Holy Spirit? Share a time when the Holy Spirit used you to restrain evil.
The removal of the Holy Spirit is not dealing with God’s omnipresence, but rather has to do with his direct indwelling of believers. When the restrainer is removed it signals the end of the “church age” (that began with Pentecost) in which the Spirit indwells believers.
Think about the John 3 monologue and Brian Welch’s testimony. How did Nicodemus and Brian Welch respond to the truth spoken to them? How can you prepare yourself to speak the truth in opportune moments?
John 19:39 indicates Nicodemus responded with belief.
To whom (unbeliever) in your sphere of influence should you speak truth? Name them and have the group pray for you.
My (Kelli) whole family has been prayed for over the last twenty years and it has been a tremendous blessing for me and my group to see answered prayers. We’ve seen God move in many lives. Keep on praying!
Posted by kellitempleton
Pastor Dave is moving on to Revelation 21:1-8 this week and will not cover the last two bullets from last Sunday’s review.
A note to you the leader: We are praying for your strength, creativity, endurance and love for your people as you continue to make disciples in your small group. Do not grow weary in doing good. I know this time of the year can be “flat”. Our hope for this week is you will catch a glimpse of what God is doing in lives of your people.
Relate
- Think about a “moving day experience.” Was it happy or sad, why? as always, the goal here is to have some fun and give everyone an opportunity to share.
Review
- Discuss anything from Sunday’s message that confused or challenged you. This is a good opportunity to review the outline and read the passage outloud. Hopefully, you are opening the Bible weekly but this gives you a chance weekly.
- Describe what is revealed about our “new home.” (Where will it be, who will be there, what will it look like?) It will be a restored planet Earth, believers and Christ will be there, it is beautiful, no sea, God is the light, no temple, no suffering or pain.
- What “old things” will not be with us anymore in our new home? death, mourning, crying, pain, sin
- How can a believer “send things on ahead” to his/her new home? Hopefully Pastor Dave covers this in depth in his 3rd point. Rev. 14:13, Matt. 6:19-21, and 1 Tim. 6:17-19 are his talking points. He is also referring to the Treasure Principle. Practically speaking it sounds like giving, good deeds, sharing the gospel are things we can “send ahead”.
Application
- What “good stuff” are you sending ahead? Brainstorm other ideas of “good stuff” you could send ahead. (One starter scripture: 1 Tim 6:7-19) see notes above for Review #4. Our hope is that your group will have a robust time discussing the concept. However, it is CRITICAL to note these things do not save us! It is an issue of our response to being saved by the free gift of Jesus’ blood and resurrection. Jesus and His work is the treasure and we give everything to follow.
- How do you set your heart and mind on your new home? (Col 3:1-5) Since our theme this year is “hope,” how does this stimulate yours? Again, this is personal sharing/brainstorming. Practical ideas might be music during the day that reminds us of Jesus, reading the Word, reading the obituaries, etc. Remember from Pastor Dave at the Leadership Launch, hope has two parts: desired future outcome (reign with Him in the new heaven/new earth) and an expectation of fulfillment (God says so and He does not lie). Our new home should bring us hope in the midst of suffering.
- Read Rev 21:3. What do you think about God living with you? How does it make you feel? What do you think it will be like? It will be interesting to see if your people are indifferent, comforted, or scared about the idea of living with God. This is the fulfillment of the new covenant promised in Jer. 30:22 and should be our hope. We are praying for honest sharing on this question so you can gage the spiritual maturity of your group.
- Is there a specific “old thing” that YOU are looking forward to “having no more?” (e.g. rejection, poverty, disease, unrighteous leadership, marital disharmony, etc.) Again, we hope you steer away from the general and get specific. For example, I will be thrilled to have no more disease personally after seeing disease torment our daughter. This might be a good question for gender-specific sharing, especially if there is marital discord.
Dig
- Reread Rev 21:3. What does it mean that “God will be with them and be their God?” How is this different from what believers experience now?
This question is designed to have you 1)review the attributes of God, 2) discuss how we relate to God now, and 3) how will it be better/different in our new home.
God is with us always (Ps. 139.7-10; Heb. 13:5). He is Spirit (Jn. 1:18, 4:24) and present everywhere (omnipresent). Jeremiah 30:22 prophesies this a part of the new covenant we have in Jesus – he has given us a new heart and His Spirit is within us as a guarantee of more to come. However, some of the differences include: Christ will be with us physically in our new home, we will be glorified – no sin and be able to see perfectly God’s glory.
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 1:1-3
Time-lines, lists, and charts are included with this week’s online sermon notes.
UPDATE: Next week Pastor Dave will move on to chapter 21–he will not cover the last two points again. If you have questions about the last two points, send them in or text them to 509-713-2751.
RELATE
What question you would like to ask Pastor Dave? How would your small group try to answer it?
REVIEW
Summarize the time-lines Pastor Dave provided regarding prophecy and “that day.”
Illustrations, time-lines, and diagrams from Sunday’s service are available for reference in this week’s online sermon notes.
Daniel 2 describes a statue representing world kingdoms. What are the different materials each section of the statue is made of? Where are we on the statue? What’s the significance of the materials that describe us?
We are the feet of the statue (iron and clay). The significance is that the iron has an appearance of strength, but is weak because of the combination with clay. On Sunday, Pastor Dave believes the iron refers to dictatorships (relatively strong) and the clay represents democracies (relatively weak).
There are a number of pictures related to the number seven. Name seven of them.
See the online sermon notes for reference.
Jesus is unveiled as the lamb and the lion. Describe Jesus as the lamb. Describe Jesus as the lion. Share how you relate to Jesus as both the lamb and the lion.
Jesus came first as a lamb and was slaughtered. Jesus will come again as the lion and will judge righteously and reign forevermore. Use this as an opportunity to find out how your people have been affected by a biblical understanding of who Jesus is (as opposed to how our culture portrays Jesus).
What is the “mystery” (previously unrevealed truth, now revealed by God) that so amazes John in Revelation 17:1-6? What does that symbol stand for?
The mystery that amazes John is the revelation of the prostitute as the “world system” – a series of kings and rulers that will make war against the Lamb. You might discuss with your group how the “world system” carries out it’s war and how we as believers can be prepared to fight it.
How could you be blessed by hearing, reading, and keeping (applying or taking to heart) the book of Revelation? (see Revelation 1:3, 22:7, 16:15)
We are blessed when we live in light of the revelation of who Jesus is: the all-powerful, righteous, king who will one day judge everyone. We are blessed when we know how to interpret the signs of His return.
APPLICATION
As a result of our study of Revelation, have you gained a new perspective or experienced a change of heart that has influenced the way you live? (about Jesus, God the Father, or the end times)
Of all the prophecies we’ve encountered in Revelation, have any of them strengthened your faith in believing the Word of God is accurate in describing God and His plans?
As a group, do you have questions to ask Pastor Dave? You can:
- text your question to 509-713-2751
- submit it via the blog
- email it to Joanne Lueck
- write on your welcome card next week
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 20:11-15
This week, the APPLICATION and DIG sections are combined. Use this as an opportunity to open Bibles in your group.
RELATE
Ever been blindsided — you were involved in something, pretty confident it was headed one way, and it turned out completely different? Share with your group.
Examples: when having a baby, you were told you’d have a girl and you had a boy; Kelli’s first paycheck was significantly lower than she was expecting because of all the taxes taken out; hidden expenses in a remodeling project.
REVIEW
Looking back over this week’s sermon on the Great White Throne and the Book of Life, was there anything that confused or challenged you?
Read II Corinthians 4:4 and Matthew 7:21-23. In these passages, how are people blinded to spiritual realities? From our passage what are the potential consequences of that blindness?
Why are there no rainbows, spirits, thunders, music, etc. around the throne? What are the two adjectives that describe the throne? What are the implications?
Who are “the dead?” Who is NOT included in this group?
APPLICATION/DIG
Do you think there are some who believe their names are written in the book but are not? How could that happen? Could there be any at Bethel?
What does it mean to be saved (justified)? Read the following verses:
- Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18, 23, 6:23 – What is the problem?
- Isaiah 53:6, Luke 18:13-14, John 1:12-13, 3:3-7, 14-17, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 5:8. 10:9, 13 – What is the solution? Believing/saving faith is a multifaceted act, not just an act of a simple prayer.
- John 3:15, Acts 2:38, Romans 5:1, 8:1, 8:38-39 – What are the results?
God makes it clear in 1 John 5:13 that he wants us to know we have eternal life. From the verses below, name three things that confirm we have eternal life?
- 1 John 5:9-13 – God’s Word
- Romans 8:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 – eternal witness of the Holy Spirit
- Colossians 1:6; 1 John 2:3-6, 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – our changed lives
Considering the two questions above, are you confident your name is written in the Book of Life?
In what way can individual people be blind to spiritual realities? (see II Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 7:21-23) What are the potential consequences of that blindness from our passage?
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 20:4-6
Sermon Outline
RELATE
Have you ever shopped for a major purchase (car, major appliance, house, etc.)? What criteria did you use to make a final decision?
REVIEW
Looking back over this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly challenged you, confused you, or caught your attention?
Read Acts 20:32. How does the Word build your “character,” “competency,” and “chemistry” in order to inherit the Kingdom? [Address each 'C']
The Word builds character by revealing problems, judging the heart.
The Word builds competency by giving clear instructions.
The Word builds chemistry by telling us how to relate to God and one another.
What is the millennium, when does it occur, and how is it different from eternity?
The millennium is a 1000 year period when Satan is bound and Jesus reigns. It occurs after the Great Tribulation and before the Great White Throne judgment. The millennium differs from eternity in that it is still bound by time.
APPLICATION
Read Revelation 20:6 and 1 Peter 2:9. Note: these verses show Christ’s followers are priests now and in the future. What are the roles and responsibilities of a priest? To whom are you being a priest?
The roles and responsibilities of a priest include serving God, prayers on behalf of people (intercession), and proclaiming God to people (help them understand Scripture). Perhaps more after hearing the sermon…
Which of the three ‘C’s do you need to focus on now? What specific change do you think you need to make? Can you or your group think of Scripture to help you?
Use this as an opportunity to apply specific Scripture to your life and the lives of your group members.
DIG
Read 1 Corinthians 6. What implications does this have for receiving an inheritance? Consider the possibility that believers can choose to be righteous or unrighteous.
Certain activities indicate that we are not being faithful to the guidelines God has established. Key concept: all believers do not receive the same inheritance. In fact, the biblical use of “inheritance” refers to those who are faithful followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ. How we live our lives as believers has eternal consequences.
What do you discover about inheriting the Kingdom of God from the following passages:
- Matthew 25:31-40 – describes those who will inherit the Kingdom
- 1 Corinthians 15:50 – we need new, imperishable bodies to inherit the Kingdom of God
- Galatians 5:19-21 – describes those that won’t inherit the Kingdom although they may enter it
- Ephesians 5:3-5 – describes those that won’t inherit the Kingdom although they may enter it
Read Acts 20:32. How is the Word able to build us up to have an inheritance?
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 20:1-10
RELATE
1. As a group, discuss what kind of Sharefest project you would like to do. (Signups begin on Sunday, February 14. Sharefest is Saturday, March 20.)
There will be family-friendly projects as well as projects for those with physical limitations. Contact Jan Sederburg for more information.
2. What is your favorite game show and why?
REVIEW
3. Looking back over this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly challenged you, confused you, or caught your attention?
4. Discuss the principle “time alone doesn’t fix heart trouble.” Why not?
The point here is that time (by itself) is not sufficient to heal a troubled heart. Healing also requires action. This is a good way to lead people toward action.
5. Discuss the principle “a perfect environment doesn’t produce a perfect heart.” In what ways does this challenge your thinking?
This is a “setup” question for the next question (application). For Kelli, it challenged a false belief about parenting. Namely, that if parents create the “perfect environment” for kids, then kids will follow Jesus. And that is not true. Biblically, it is not the perfect environment that sanctifies our heart, it is suffering (consider Joseph, Job, Jesus, Paul).
APPLICATION
6. Many times we think: “If only ___________, then I could follow Christ more closely.” (E.g., if only I had a different spouse, if only I had more time to read the Bible). What other things might fill this blank? Do you have any if-only’s active in your life right now?
Use this as an opportunity to help people focus on Christ’s work and not their individual circumstances. See thoughts on previous question.
7. Have you ever been in a state of heart trouble (bitterness, anger, pride, lust, etc.) and “nurtured it” for a while? What is your part in healing your heart?
It is easy for me (Kelli) to harbor unforgiveness in my heart. But I am commanded to forgive as Christ forgave me. Therefore, I verbally mouth the words of forgiveness and trust that Christ will bring my heart into submission to him.
8. According to the following passages, how is the Word of God effective in dealing with heart trouble?
- Psalm 19:7-11 – revives the soul
- John 1:1-14 – Jesus, the Word of God, is the ultimate communication of God; if your group has unbelievers, key in on this passage
- Hebrews 4:12- cuts to the heart
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – useful for training (and staying out of trouble)
How do these truths motivate you to engage God’s Word?
We want people to read the Word and be changed by it.
DIG
9. In our passage, Satan is bound for 1000 years and is ineffective. Currently, Satan is active and effective. According to the following passages, what is Satan doing right now?
- Matthew 4:3 – tempting
- John 8:44 – lying, deceiving
- John 10:10 – stealing, murdering, destroying
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 – disguised as an angel of light
- 1 Peter 5:8 – seeking to devour
- Revelation 12:9-10 – accusing
Posted by Dave Stone
Revelation 19:10-21
Peaks of Prophecy
RELATE
1. What are you eagerly looking forward to in the near future? How does this compare with your anticipation of the “day of the Lord?” (see 2 Timothy 4:8)
Use this as an opportunity to get to know your people and what they are interested in.
REVIEW
2. Share any truth that particularly challenged or confused you.
Take this opportunity to review the sermon outline and major points of interest.
3. Name the “peaks” from Pastor Dave’s “Peaks of Prophecy” graph. What parts are unclear to you?
Birth of Messiah, Sacrificial death, Pentecost, Anti-Christ, Return/rule of Christ, Millennium, New heaven and earth
4. List the names of Jesus given in our passage. What do you think each means?
Faithful and True – self-explanatory; you might solicit stories of how God has been faithful and true in the lives of group members.
The Word of God – John 1, Jesus is the Word of God, He is God’s ultimate communication to us (see Hebrews
King of Kings and Lord of Lords – He has ultimate authority
APPLICATION
5. Thinking about “that day” which is coming, answer the following questions using Hebrews 10:23-25.
- What is the hope we profess?
Jesus’ teachings are true and His work on the cross is sufficient for our salvation.
- What might we do to encourage one another to love and good deeds?
Talk about how you can do this in your group specifically (e.g., attendance, praying, checking up on people, speaking truth)
6. Read 1 Peter 2:21-25 and respond to the following.
- How did Christ suffer?
Jesus suffered a brutal death as an innocent man at the hands of vile men.
- What did his suffering gain for us?
His sufferings provide an example of how to respond to suffering. He bore our sins so that we live righteously. His sufferings bring us healing.
- How did Christ deal with suffering?
He did not sin. He did not retaliate. He entrusted himself to the just judge (God the Father). He left the judging to the Father. This passage implies that He thought of others amidst His suffering. His individual suffering brought great gain to many. Might this be true for us when we endure suffering?
7. Share any relationships or events in your life that cause you to suffer. Are you responding like Jesus? If not, what might you do to move toward His example?
Listen carefully as people share. Seize opportunities to pray for and encourage your group.
DIG
8. In each of the following passages what did the Old Testament prophets hope for in the coming Messiah (Jesus)?
- Isaiah 11:11 – He will gather His people
- Jeremiah 31:33-34 – He will write His law on the hearts of His people; He will forgive
- Ezekiel 37:26 – He will make a covenant of peace with His people
- Zechariah 8:7-8 – He will rule from Jerusalem
- Zechariah 14:3 – He will fight against the nations
Posted by Dave Stone
Over on the Richland Campus blog, Dave Dawson cited seven reasons why stories are important.
Excerpt from the post:
- Storytelling is a universal form of communication.
- More than half of the world’s population prefers the concrete mode of learning.
- Stories connect with our imagination and emotions.
- Every major religion uses stories to socialize its young, convert potential followers, and indoctrinate members.
- Approximately 75 percent of the Bible is narrative.
- Stories create instant evangelists.
- Jesus taught theology through stories.
Posted by Dave Stone
Bud & Stephanie Bucci will come to your small group and facilitate an 11-week class using the book, “The Ten Commandments of Marriage” by Ed Young. It’s easy, light-hearted reading, with a few questions at the end of each chapter for couples to discuss between sessions. The study can benefit both healthy and struggling marriages. Call them at 967-5958.
“Bud and Stephanie are equally and completely loyal to Christ. You feel the spirit’s presence when you are with them. They demonstrate total transparency to each other.”
- Alan & Kristi Rainey, Grow Group leaders of a group the Bucci’s taught.
