By Dave Stone
Acts 17:16-34
The first three questions are intended to build upon each other. In question 1, identify our idols. In question 2, identify the symptoms of worshipping those idols. In question 3, identify connection points to discuss “spiritual stuff” in order to dismantle the idols and help people worship Jesus.
1. What idols do people of the Tri-Cities worship?
A quick glance at some neighborhoods shows we worship our toys-like boats, jet skis, four-wheelers, snow mobiles. Money…one of our cities is named “Richland.” Education or status is another.
2. What are symptoms of each idol worshiped in question 1? (E.g., Idol: money, symptom: debt)
Idol: toys, symptoms: selfishness, hurting marriage as time is spent playing with toys, possibly debt
Idol: education, symptoms: self-sufficiency, pride, lack of contentment
3. What was Paul’s point of contact with the people of Athens? Think of the non-Christians you have relationships with. What points of contact with them might you use to share “spiritual stuff?” (Hint: Using the idols and symptoms in question 2, think of ways to discuss “spiritual stuff?” e.g., Idol: money, symptom: debt, spiritual stuff: biblical principles for using money)
Paul’s point of contact was the Athenian’s desire to speak about new ideas. He also used their “unknown god” as a platform for talking about the one, true God. Points of connection to discuss spiritual stuff: talk about how you work at your marriage, how you pursue dependence upon God, how you seek contentment in Christ.
4. Share about conflicts that have “found you” when talking about your faith?
Could be conflicts like Scott Chambers getting sick before going to East Asia. Could also be conflicts in the way people respond.
5. In this passage, what were the responses of the people of Athens to Paul’s message? Share responses that you have received when talking about your faith. As a group, discuss ways you might take advantage of those responses to continue talking about your faith.
Some people responded by mocking Paul. Others wanted to discuss again.
Gospel in Action: Our evangelism emphasis encourages Bethelites to speak words about their faith. This could be as simple as mentioning the name of Jesus, praying out loud for someone, or a multitude of other options. Have you considered how you can mention your faith in conversation? Discuss as a group ways that you can weave your spiritual life into your conversational life.
Share your ideas in the comments below.
By Dave Stone
Revelation 22:6-21
1. Now that we have come to the end of the book of Revelation, what one thing has had the greatest impact on you?
Trumpets and bowls and seals, oh my! To spur discussion: has your view of God changed? your view of yourself? your view of people? are you doing anything differently? Before this series, I (Chris) did not think about Revelation or heaven much. Now, I realize it needs to be on my mind consistently.
2. Read Revelation 22:11. Why do you think God tells us to continue in either sin or righteousness? What is the point of this verse?
We think Pastor Dave will address this in the sermon. At least we hope so!
3. Discuss how God’s words and warnings accelerate our ride. (see point IIB)
Ditto the last answer!
4. Have you ever been in a state of hardheartedness where anything the Lord “told you” just seemed to make you harder? What caused you to change?
Sometimes the Lord uses “gentle repetition” to get our attention. Sometimes He breaks in and “spanks” us (think Saul on road to Damascus). Sometimes He uses something someone says, or a book, or a video, or a song, or a sermon!
5. This question has two parts:
a. What are some objective or external ways you can measure your spiritual condition? Using that criteria, how are you doing spiritually?
External ways of measuring spiritual condition: the words that come out of your mouth, habits, giving, how you treat other people, etc.
b. Read 1 Kings 19:12-13. Is there something the Lord is asking you to deal with in your life now? How are you responding to His “gentle blowing?”
Be sure to pray for each other in this.
Gospel in Action: Do you remember the question from last week, “Reach out to an unbelieving friend/coworker and ask them ‘how can I pray for you?’ Then, pray for them on the spot, out loud?” Did you pray for someone? Share your story.
If you have a story, share it in the comments below.
By Dave Stone
Hebrews 2:1-3a
What are some of the “currents” pulling at the faith of American Christians? Which tug on you the most? Why?
Debt, pornography, American Dream, TV, sports, comfort, recreation, image, vanity
What do you think “neglect” looked like in the lives of the Hebrew Christians? What might it look like in the life of a believer today?
For example, Hebrew Christians neglected meeting together (Hebrews 10:23). Look at the Scripture references for point 1b. Today, neglecting includes failure to pray, to meet with other believers, to give, to serve, to evangelize. This might be a good time to review the Bethel Membership Covenant.
Discuss the following statement: Grace covers the penalty of sin but not the consequences.
God’s grace covers the penalty for sin. It does not negate the principle of reaping and sowing. Neither does it cause the Lord to be lenient. And no, it does not eliminate the consequences of sin.
According to Hebrews 1:1-14, Jesus is:
- the Ultimate Revelation of God (2)
- the Eternal Heir of all things (2)
- the Creator of the worlds (2,10)
- the Essence of Deity (3)
- the Personality of Deity (3)
- the Upholder of all things (3)
- the Redeemer (3)
- the Ultimate Sacrifice (3)
- the Seated one (3)
- Superior to the angels (4)
- God’s Son (5)
- God’s Firstborn (6)
- the Righteous One (8,9)
- the Unchanging One (12)
- Ruler of all (13)
Believers “hold on” by knowing Jesus. Which of the above have helped you “hold on” to your faith and why?
Discuss: Being accepted by the Lord is one thing. Pleasing the Lord is another.
You could use a parent-child or spouse relationship to demonstrate this concept.
Gospel in Action: Reach out to an unbelieving friend/coworker and ask them “how can I pray for you?” Then, pray for them on the spot out loud.
By Dave Stone
Read 2 Timothy 1:3-14 and discuss the following questions.
What is your family’s Christian heritage? Who in your family influenced you most in your faith? If not a family member, who influenced you?
What do you think Lois and Eunice did to influence Timothy’s faith? What might you do to influence your family for Christ? What about those outside your family?
What “fears” (2 Timothy 1:7) do you think you need to overcome? How do they limit you?
Imagine that you truly put aside your spirit of “fear” and live in a spirit of “power, love, and self-discipline.” What would be the results of living this way?
What are the essential elements of the gospel message? Why do you think Paul is reminding Timothy of the Gospel message in this passage?
This tract, How Can I Be Sure?, outlines the Gospel essentials.
Do you know a believer who is feeling defeated and needs to be reminded of the Gospel message? What from the sermon can you use to encourage them?
By Dave Stone
At our Leadership Briefing on May 2, 2010:
- Kelli walked us through the calendar.
- Dave Bechtel spoke on leadership, responsibility, and freedom Listen now
- Dave Dawson led a discussion of ways to engage other people for the sake of evangelism.
- And there was some fantastic dessert.
We also collected group rosters, photographed leaders, submitted prayer requests, and shared summer plans.
