DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 22

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we looked at Jesus's encounter with the woman at the well in John 4. Evange began the conversation by discussing the role that water plays in sustaining life as we considered Jesus's concept of "living water." While there are many things people go to to quench their "thirst" in life, Jesus says that he alone can provide the water that truly satisfies. 

1. Jesus said that whoever drinks from this (literal) well will thirst again, and he was tying this to the ways the woman had lived her life trying to find heart satisfaction in the world. What are the ways that we try to do this? With bad things that are obviously sin, and also with good things that are gifts from God, but not intended to provide ultimate heart satisfaction?

2. Jesus brings up the woman's past of trying to find in romantic relationships what only God can give. How is this call to change your life (repentance) so important when it comes to drinking of the well of life? 

3. How can we point others to this well, to this “spring of water welling up to eternal life” within us?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 15

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we began our series on the book of John.

1. John tells us that “The Word became flesh", and he is speaking of the incarnation of God, God Himself coming to earth in the person of Jesus. What is most striking or significant to you about the truth that The Almighty God became a real human?

2. From the beginning to the end, it is clear that John wrote his book so that we would believe in Jesus and that in believing we would have life. This need to "believe" is for both Christians and non-Christians. In what ways do we who already believe forget the truth and need to be renewed in our belief?

3. John tells us that he was a witness to the Glory of God in Jesus who came and was full of both grace and truth. What does it mean to be filled with both grace and truth? Why must these two go hand in hand if we are going to represent his character? What happens when we focus on the truth and forget grace, or vice versa?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 8

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's sermon Basil considered the question that was asked by the angels after the resurrection "why do you look for the living among the dead? '' and in this question there was a call for us to redirect our focus. Basil spoke to us about how we all need to hear this at times, this call to redirect our lives and our thinking to that which will bring us life.

1. In your daily life, what do you spend the most time "looking for?" What are the focuses that most often define your day to day? Do you find that this brings you life?

2. Sometimes we have things in our lives, thoughts and focuses, that need to be rejected and turned from (things that are sinful). But other times it can be just the normal day to day tasks and goals that can become our primary focus and hope. Even though these are not bad things we have focused on, the result is still the same, we lack the life we should have. How can we seek God in the midst of our worldly pursuits? How can we enjoy God as we do the worldly things in our path?

3. In Kathy Haltrich’s poem “Living In The Ruins” we are reminded that God wants to redeem every part of us. Are there any parts of you or your story that you feel just can’t be redeemed?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF May 1

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This Sunday Basil spoke on how the bodily resurrection of Jesus changes everything. He reminded us that our lives and the very reality in which we live are completely transformed by The Gospel truth that He is Risen!

1. Why is the whole Christian faith reliant on the real bodily resurrection of Christ?

2. Basil shared with us a wonderful practice of imagining the Kingdom of God in its fulfilment as the ideal, and asking God by His Spirit to allow us to bring that into the brokenness of the here and now. Basil gave an example from his own life, of choosing to treat the students he works with, with dignity and love rather than seeking to use them in the ways he had seen others do. What areas of your life might God be calling you to approach differently? In what spaces of brokenness might God be calling you to be an instrument of His restorative love and peace?

3. N.T. Wright in his book “Surprised By Hope” addresses three key areas that the resurrection life will work out through us as His people: Justice, Beauty and Evangelism. How do these three come to fruition in The Kingdom of God? How can we seek and embody them in the spaces in which God has placed us? Which of these three stands out to you? Why?

4. How is creating something beautiful a part of the resurrection life working through us? How might God be calling you to create beauty?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 24

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we looked at the beginning of John's first letter. In this he offers various "tests" that one can apply to oneself so that we may know that we have real salvation.

1. The first test considered was whether one has a posture of confession of sin towards God or whether one denies their sin. Discuss why having this posture of humility is so important if we want to have a real relationship with Him and not be deceived.

2. In the beginning of the second chapter John says "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Why is it so vital that one knows that they have an advocate when they sin. How does this truth ultimately help us not sin?

3. One of the tests given in chapter 2 is about whether we obey His commands. Now we know he does not mean we must be perfect based on what he said earlier. But how does a posture of wanting to obey show we have real salvation?

4. This can be a scary endeavor, looking at oneself and asking the question of whether you have real salvation. Yet we see not only in 1 John but also other passages how this is something we must at times do (2 Corinthians 13:5). Yet John tells us that his intention with these "tests" is that he wants us to KNOW that we have eternal life. Discuss how these tests can build our confidence that we know Him and have eternal life.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 17

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's Easter sermon we considered the resurrection of Christ and how The Holy Spirit has revealed to us what God has prepared for those who believe in Him -our resurrection. (1 Cor 2:1-12).

1. During the message we considered the concept of being a "slave to sin" (John 8:34). Jesus came to set us free from this slavery. Do you find the concept of slavery to sin hard to understand? Some people easily grasp this concept while others struggle to see how it applies to them. What things make it difficult for us to see ourselves this way?

2. How does the message of Jesus crucified for our sins and raised from the dead speak to this concept of a world that is in slavery to sin? How does Jesus' death and resurrection set us free?

3. By asking the disciples to touch Him and by eating fish in their presence Jesus made the point of showing the disciples how His resurrected body was a physical one. Why is this significant? What thoughts come to mind when you consider that we too are promised a physical body that is imperishable, powerful, and glorious (1 Cor 15:42-43)?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 10

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's palm sunday message we considered some ways that Jesus challenged and corrected the expectations of the crowd regarding the coming messiah King.

1. In the beginning of Luke 19 Jesus encounters Zaccheus, who was a well known and despised tax collector. To the surprise and frustration of many, Jesus does not condemn Zaccheus, but instead invites him into fellowship with Him. In the sermon Pastor Charlie asked everyone to imagine someone who they consider to be a supporter of evil or oppression, as to identify what the crowd was feeling. If you are comfortable doing so, share who you imagined "in the tree," and how do you feel about Jesus calling them out and personally expressing his desire to give them mercy and friendship? Do you find yourself wishing for them to get payback more then then mercy? Discuss

2. Jesus summarized his mission by saying he came to seek and save the lost. And then he told a parable that expressed our duty to share in this mission while he is away. Why is it so important for us to love and desire mercy for "tax collectors" (the people we imagined in the tree)?

3. Jesus then tells them a parable that explains that judgement is reserved for those who refuse his mission of mercy and salvation. Discuss how you see passages like this regarding the judgement of God in light of what we know about Jesus's heart? Why is the weeping of Jesus over Jerusalem, which happens later in this passage, so relevant to the conversation of the judgement of God? How does God's judgement fit in with the larger message of his mercy? Discuss

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 3

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's sermon Basil led us through a few passages that highlighted some of the ways Jesus shined light in a dark world.

1. In the first passage we looked at, we saw how Jesus would withdraw from his disciples early in the morning to go and seek His Father in prayer. Why is it significant that Jesus would set aside His worldly responsibilities and prioritize these quiet times alone with God? How do you think your life would be different if you were able to make this your habit? What stands in the way?

2. In another passage we saw a woman weeping and worshiping at Jesus' feet, while a certain pharisee named Simon looked down on her. Jesus tells Simon that the woman knows she has been forgiven much, and that is why she shows so much love, and He tells Simon, in essence, that He also should be taking the same posture. It was difficult for Simon to identify with the woman; difficult for him to see himself as someone who needed much forgiveness. How can we too fall into this kind of spiritual blindness? What prevents us from taking the heart posture of the woman at Jesus's feet?

3. Another passage focused on how Jesus gave sight to the blind. In the above scripture we see that Simon was spiritually blind but he did not know it. In what ways do we also need God to open our eyes? What are the spiritual truths that our hearts so easily forget?

Pray for one another in the ways discussed.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 27

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's sermon we looked at how Paul the missionary engaged with people and culture in his sermon to the people in Athens (Acts 17). In this passage we see Paul disturbed by parts of the culture and affirming other parts. We see him studying and listening to the culture; looking for bridges of connection in his desire to preach the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.

1. When first arriving in Athens, Paul was "greatly distressed" by the idols. In the same way, he says in Romans 12:9 that "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Discuss what it means and what it looks like to sincerely love all people while also hating what is evil.

2. In the passage we saw Paul making a connection with the people through their art and culture. Historically Christians have often condemned all of "non-christian" culture, and separated from it, which has prevent us from having the kind of ministry that Paul models here. How can we engage with the culture around us, embracing, affirming and connecting with what is good, while at the same time not letting ourselves become compromised.

3. After making a connection with the people and affirming what is good, only then does Paul speak truth that calls the people to turn from their ways. Discuss how we can know when the time is right to speak this kind of truth?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 20

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's sermon Evange first gave an overview of some distinctions of this present culture. It’s easy to see how so much of our world is focused on making life easier, more comfortable and on gaining more material possessions. Meanwhile, Jesus has told us that following him would mean "hating our life," "taking up our cross," and "renouncing our possessions" (Luke 14:25-35).

1. Read the passage from Luke cited above. Based on what Jesus is saying, why is it so important that you decide you are willing to give up everything and make Him first in your life before beginning to follow him? What will inevitably happen if you try to follow him without making Him first in your heart?

2. Based on these passages, do you think that the Christian life is a life of happiness and joy? Discuss this for a bit, and then read Matt 13:44. Discuss how this short parable relates.

3. What does this mean for you? How is God calling you to lay down your life, not prioritize your own worldly comfort, but finding a greater joy in his mission?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 13

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we looked at a couple of chapters in the book of Daniel as we considered how the Lord rules above every kingdom and authority. "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others." This concept, that God is ultimately in control of all things, refers to God's "sovereignty." In our narrative, Daniel was able to have great calmness of spirit while he lived under the brutal regime of King Nebekuneezer, because trusted in the Lord, the King above all kingdoms.

1. How does this idea, that God is sovereign, challenge you? What questions do you have and what are the ways you find this concept difficult to accept? Do you believe God is sovereign over not only kings and kingdoms, but the great and small details in your life as well?

2. Read Matthew 10:29-31. Discuss how this passage relates to the sovereignty of God in your own life. In light of these verses, how does this concept speak to you? In what areas of your life do you need to trust and believe that God is indeed in control and working out his plan?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 6

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week Pastor Cheryl walked us through the beginning of Genesis 19, where we saw how Lot's willingness to show hospitality to the visitors was what set him apart from the evil people in Sodom. In this and in many other ways we see that hospitality and "receiving" people is a key mark of Godliness.

1. Jesus has told us of His heart's willingness to welcome and receive all who come to Him (John 6:37, Matt 11:28). What hinders us from fully believing and rejoicing in this? Do you find it difficult to feel fully welcomed and accepted by Him?

2. How can we embody this kind of grace-filled, indiscriminate, and welcoming heart? What are the challenges for us? In what contexts and situations is this most difficult for you?

3. What are some specific ways you can be more welcoming and hospitable in the places God has you (your neighborhood, your place of work, school, etc.)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This Sunday Basil spoke about the pandemic season as a type of wilderness experience, as we looked at Jesus’ time in the wilderness after His baptism. This wilderness experience of the pandemic has caused us to experience much vulnerability and disconnection. 

1. In what ways have you experienced disconnection and vulnerability during this pandemic? How do these feelings tempt us to act independently of God rather than relying on Him?  

2. The enemy knows how to quote scripture. The best lies are veiled in half truths. What half truths are we prone to believe during wilderness experiences? How do we combat those lies with truth?

3. How does God meet us in our vulnerability and disconnection in order to bring about hope in our lives and the lives of those around us? How can embracing our vulnerability and disconnection open us up to the healing and restorative power of Christ? How is God’s strength made perfect in weakness? 

4. How can embracing our own brokenness and vulnerability help us to love others better? 

Discussion questions for the week of February 20th

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's sermon Pastor Charlie provided an overview of some of the main points of Peter's first letter, and how we are called to be a special people who are set apart. We are citizens of heaven, and we are told to set our hope fully (1 Peter 1:13) on this coming kingdom that God promises for all who believe in him.

1. Why do you think it is so important that our hope is set first and foremost on God's promised kingdom? What are the dangers of letting a different focus and a different hope or desire take that place in our hearts?

2. While we are called to be "set apart" as holy, we are also called to be a blessing in this world to others. What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world?" How can we live as part of the community without letting ourselves set our hearts on the things of the world?

3. Peter tells us to submit to all authorities "for the Lord's sake." Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God was calling you to submit to something "for his sake?" How did the Lord speak to you during this time and how did he show his faithfulness as you trusted in him? Discuss.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13th

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week Andy Smits taught on Genesis 20, where we see Abraham fails to walk in faith and trust God. Instead he lies about his wife for his own security and puts a foreign people in danger. Again we are reminded that God has blessed us and called us to be a blessing to others, but at times we forget that second part.

1. Instead of seeking to bless King Abimelek Abraham is distracted by concerns for his own safety. What are ways that fear can hinder our ability to serve God and be a blessing to others? And how does God's truth speak into these fears?

2. In the end King Abimelek showed himself to be very receptive to the word of God. Are we ever, like Abraham, quick to assume people are hard-hearted and not wanting the Lord?  Who are the people the Lord has placed in our lives that we, in our weak faith, have failed to pray for and bless?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6th

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we considered Ishmeal, the son of Abraham often thought to be outside of the covenant of God. Pastor Charlie discussed the reasons why we may have missed the greater point regarding the firstborn son of Abraham, -That while the blessing would not come through him, he was indeed loved by both Abraham and God, and the blessing was for him.

1. Ishmael was cast out of his family. What are some ways the church has drawn lines to say "you are not one of us" and made divisions where God has not? How can we be on guard against this attitude where we fail to love those who are loved by God?

2. Ishmael was cast out apparently for mocking Issac. But what is interesting is that the same Hebrew word used for Ishmael's "laughing" is that used for Abraham and Sarah's expressions of unbelief in Genesis 17 and Genesis 18. So it is easy to see Ishmael's treatment was unfair. He was only guilty of what Abraham and Sarah had also done. Why is being hypocritical in this way so damaging to the Gospel message?

3. We know the church is to be a place where we speak the truth in love. How can we speak the truth about unbelief and sin, without having the posture that tells people they are unwelcome and unloved?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 30th

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

In this week's message we looked at Genesis 17 and discussed what God's covenant of circumcision means for New Testament believers in Christ. We saw that it is not external circumcision that counts for anything, but instead the "circumcision of the heart" where we are not hiding from God in our inner being, but walking with him in a real relationship - this is the only thing that God requires.

1. In the early church there were some who insisted on external circumcision for the new gentile believers. As circumcision was a very important part of the Jewish customs, the idea was that Gentile believers needed to become culturally Jewish if they wanted to believe in the Jewish Saviour. The Apostle Paul condemned this teaching with the strongest of words. In the same way there is a danger today for Chritians to subtly or explicitly add cultural expectations and demands for people to conform to if they want to be Christians. Did you ever see Christianity in this way, as a cultural movement rather than a relationship with Christ? What are some ways we can make this mistake if we are not careful?

2. What habits, traditions, or good works do we consciously or sub-consciously trust in to feel like we're holding up our end of the covenant, rather than relying and trusting in the finished work of Christ and the spiritual circumcision we have received from Him?

3. We know that the gospel is for all peoples, every tribe and every tongue, every political persuasion, personality type etc. This is naturally going to bring together people who have different ways of seeing the world. How do we preserve unity and live in loving fellowship with brothers and sisters we disagree with?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 23rd

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week we looked at the passage of scripture in Genesis 16 where Hagar runs away from Abraham and Sarah, but The Angel of The Lord comes to her and asks her to go back. Hagar desired honor and freedom, and the Lord told her that if she went back to her humble position in Abraham's family, and denied herself in this way, He would give her both honour and freedom through the birth of a son. This son would be the father of a multitude and no one would rule over him.

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God was calling you to trust him and do something that otherwise would be foolish: to deny yourself what you wanted to take for yourself, and were led to believe that God would satisfy that desire as you submitted to him?

2. Jesus told all of us that if we wanted to be his disciples we had to deny ourselves. As you consider that concept of being called to deny yourself, what comes to mind? As you are considering that topic, how does Psalm 37:4 relate to this conversation?

3. How do the promises God makes in passages like Psalm 37:4 differ from the things the world promises?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 16TH

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This week Basil shared about how we walk the walk of faith in the midst of the suffering this pandemic has brought on our world.

1. How has the pandemic affected your faith? How have you seen your faith challenged during this time?

2. We know from the story of Abraham that suffering has a way of strengthening our faith. The great sacrifice Abraham was willing to make of offering up his son cannot be disconnected from the way he learned to trust God's goodness through times of suffering. Has there been something in your life that God asked you to surrender to Him that was difficult for you to let go of? How did you handle it? Is there anything in your life right now that you’re having trouble surrendering to God?

3. What promises of God and portions of scripture have been helpful for you during seasons of doubt and suffering? When you have to do something difficult, where do you gather strength from?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 9TH

AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

This Sunday we looked at the first part of Genesis chapter 16, and what we saw was a clear allusion to Genesis 3. The mistake that Sarah and Abraham make is like that of Adam and Eve when they first sinned. In Genesis 3 and 16, both Eve and Sarah are led to doubt the trustworthiness of God. Pastor Charlie made the point that all sin flows out of the idea that we can't trust God and that His goodness can’t satisfy us. 

1. How do you see this playing out in your own life? How does failing to believe in God's goodness and promises lead us to sin?

2. Similarly, what truths about God and his promises do we need to remember in order to see through the lies of the enemy and resist temptation? What scriptures are helpful for you to remember in times of temptation and in times of waiting on God? 

3. Because Abraham and Sarah failed to trust in God's faithfulness, they went on to "take matters into their own hands," this brought much pain and family dysfunction. Yet we know very well that God works all things out for good (even our sinful choices), and that Abraham's story ends with him being a victor and a great man of faith. How does that truth speak into our own struggles, dysfunctions and failures? What encouragement can we gather from the failures of Abraham, the "man of faith (Gal 3:9)"