Sunday, July 25, 2010

Disciple (Week Four)-- Come and See Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Read Mark 4:35-41

1. Why is it significant that Jesus instructed his disciples to go over to the other side of the lake during the evening?
2. How serious was the storm? Why do you think the disciples reacted the way they did?
3. Mark, Matthew and Luke all make a point of saying that Jesus fell asleep. What are we to learn from this?
4. How do you think the disciple’s attitude toward Jesus changed on account of this event?
5. Why do you think Jesus responded to the disciples the way he did?
6. Why were the disciples “terrified”?

Discuss: “Storms are intended to drive us to deeper dependence!”

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Disciple (Week Three)-- Come and See Questions for Reflection and Discussion



Read the following accounts of the disciples with Jesus prior to his calling them to follow him. How did these encounters enable them to respond?

John 1:1-50—

John 2:1-11—

John 2:23-25—

John 3:1-21—

Luke 4:16-31—

Read Matthew 4:18-22. (See also Mark 1:16-20) What did these disciples leave in order to follow Jesus?

In what “category” would you place yourself?
a. Still “casting/preparing a net”
b. Preparing to leave
c. Leaving the boat
d. Following Jesus
e. Felling left behind

What is Jesus calling you to leave?

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Disciple (Week Two)-- Come and See Questions for Reflection and Discussion

As you reflect on the message, Disciple: There’s Something Better, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?

Matthew 4:17 reads, “From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!’” Why is this message of Jesus significant?

In what ways are the following two examples not examples of genuine biblical repentance?

1 Samuel 15:24—

Matthew 27:3-4—

The study, The Gospel-Centered Life lists common excuses that reveal counterfeit repentance.

“I was just being honest.” (meaning—Can’t you handle the truth?)
“I’m just saying what I feel.” (meaning—There’s nothing sinful about my feelings.)
“I was only kidding.” (meaning—Didn’t you get the joke?)
“I misunderstood you.” (meaning—You’re not as crazy as I thought you were!)
“You misunderstood me.” (meaning—I’m not as bad as you think I am.)
“That’s just who I am.” (meaning—I’m a sinner, so that excuses my behavior.)
“ I made a mistake.” (meaning—Don’t we all?)
“I didn’t mean to do it. (meaning—I didn’t mean to get caught.)
“I’m having a bad day. (meaning—I deserve better.)

Which of these excuses listed above can you identify with?

What light do the following scriptures provide for understanding genuine repentance?

Psalm 51:4—

2 Corinthians 7:10—

Acts 3:19-20—

Read John 21:15-19. What role did repentance play in Peter’s restoration?

Read Revelations 3:19. What implications does this Scripture have regarding repentance and the Christ follower?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

"Deeper Application"



Last week we kicked off our summer teaching series entitled "Disciple." For many in our groups the concepts we study this summer will not be "new." In this video Eric Metcalf encourages groups to strive for "deeper application" of what they already know.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Disciple-- Come and See Questions for Reflection and Discussion




What conclusions can be drawn about a disciple from the following scriptures?—these passages will highlight both the high call of discipleship as well as the failures of disciples. The point is that discipleship is messy and requires a life long pursuit.



Matthew 10:24—



Matthew 16:23—



Matthew 17:16-17—



Mark 10:13-14—



Luke 14:26—



Luke 14:33—



John 14:9—



John 19:38—





In the message, Disciple: What do you want from me?, being a disciple was defined as “the irreplaceable and lifelong task of following and becoming like Jesus by embodying His message.” Why is it important to understand that this is a lifelong task?



Read John 1:35-50. Of John the Baptist, Andrew, Philip and Nathaniel with whom do you most identify? John the Baptist—a bold, decisive decision, Andrew easily believes John’s testimony and invites others to join Jesus, Philip believes with limits, Nathaniel needed to see for himself.



What do you want from Jesus?