Foundations Session 4

Session 4 Questions

Stages of a Growing Christian

If you are using Apple TV to view the session, here is the link to it online

https://vimeo.com/126848405

1) Mark defined spiritual maturity as true Christlikeness: reflecting Christ in our attitude, our conduct, our  speech, our thinking and in our lifestyle in general. Who is someone in your life (past or present) who represented spiritual maturity to you?  What was one thing in their life that stood out the most to you?

2) Read 1 John 2:12-14. What are the 6 reasons John is writing to them?

3) 3 stages spiritual of maturity:

• Little Children
• Young Men
• Fathers

In the three stages of maturity listed above, what are some of the problems or challenges someone may face in each stage?

4) Where do you feel you are in the three different stages?  Are you encouraged by where you are, or are you discouraged?

5) What do you think you should do, or what should you change in your life so that you will continue the spiritual maturity process?

6) Who is someone in your life who is not a follower of Christ that you have been praying for them accept Jesus as their savior?

End your time praying for those mentioned in above question and for the continued spiritual maturity of those in your group.

Foundations Session One

Session 1 Questions

Authenticity of the Bible

If you are using Apple TV to view this session, here is the link to it online

https://vimeo.com/118033676

If you are a Short-Term Group, before watching Session 1, spend some time together getting to know everyone in your group. You can use the “Get to Know your Life Group” provided in your folder to help facilitate conversations.

Watch Session 1, then discuss the questions and answers below.

1) Have you ever questioned whether or not the Bible was really the true Word of God? What caused you to question its authenticity or what caused you to believe in its authenticity?

2) What translation of the Bible do you prefer and why? Do you mostly use a Bible app to read the Bible or do you have an actually Bible you would rather read?

3) Read 2 Timothy 3:16 aloud.

The Word of God is the will of God revealed for our lives. How has the Word guided and directed your steps in life?

4) Read Hebrews 4:12 in the NIV Translation aloud. In what ways is God’s word “alive” and “active”?

5) Of the 5 reasons we can trust in the authenticity of the Bible, which one(s) is/are most compelling to you and why?

·      It’s Scientific Authenticity

·      It’s Historic Accuracy

·      It’s Incredible Unity

·      It’s Fulfilled Prophecy

·      It’s Life Changing Power

Close your time together praying for one another and for this Foundations Series to help deepen and broaden our faith and insight of God and His Word.

Foundations Session Two

Session 2 Questions

How to Understand the Bible

Watch Session 2, then discuss the questions and answers below. If you are using an Apple TV, here is the link to the video https://vimeo.com/126831536

1) When you first began reading the Bible, was it confusing and hard for you to understand?

2) What is one of your favorite Bible stories and why?

3) What is the difference between welcoming someone and making someone feel welcome? (Answers could include- making someone feel welcome is more from heart, while welcoming someone is more about just action.)

4) The Word has the power to change our lives when we welcome it with a repentant heart. Is there a verse of scripture that has helped cultivate, grow and change your life?

5) Studying the bible can give us knowledge about God, but living out the bible gives us a true relationship with God.  How has putting into practice the parts of the bible you do understand helped cultivate your relationship with God?

6) What are some of the things you do in front of the mirror? (Answers could include- brushing their teeth, shaving, putting on makeup, drying or brushing their hair.)  How do you think you would look if you had no mirror? How do you think your life would look without looking into the mirror of God's Word?

7) Why is it so difficult to quiet our minds when coming to the Word? How do you overcome that difficulty?

8) What practical steps can you take before listening to or reading God’s Word to make sure you receive it with humility?

9) Read Deuteronomy 6:4-12. What do these verses say we should do with God’s Word?

10) Read Deuteronomy 8:10-18. How do these verses challenge you to memorize God’s Word? What do these verses warn can happen to you if you don’t know His Word (verse 14)?

Ask if anyone has any thoughts or comments to add to your discussion.

End your time together by praying that the Word will become more alive than ever before and that everyone would come to it with a repentant, responsive and reflective heart.

Foundations Session Three

Session 3 Questions

How to be Saved and Know It

If you are using Apple TV to view the session, here is the link to it online

vimeo.com/126955534

1) Have there been times in your life that you have doubted your salvation? What led to that doubt?

2) Read 1 John 5:11-13

If someone asked you, "What is eternal life?" and, "How can I receive the gift of eternal life?" how would answer those questions?

3) If you grew up in church, did you experience either of the two veins of thinking below when it came to salvation?

• Legalism that says- if you obey all the laws and requirements, then you are saved
• License that says- once you accepted Christ, it doesn’t matter how you live, the grace of God has you covered

4) Read Ephesians 2:8-10

• What does it mean that God's people have been "saved by grace"?  How would you define grace?
• Paul says that we have been “saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Faith is the means through which we are saved. Does that mean faith is our contribution to beings saved? What does the rest of the verse say about that? Be specific.
• List one to three of the greatest gifts you have ever received and share what made them great gifts? God said this salvation is a ‘gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8). What do you think Paul is trying to stir up in our hearts and minds?
• Look at verse 9 again. List some common ways people wrongly understand good works. What happens as a result? How does this problem relate to people’s religions and beliefs? For what reason does the apostle say that salvation comes through grace and not by good works?
• According to Ephesians 2:10, who are we? 
• God says that He created us in Christ Jesus for good works. What does that mean? What might ‘good works’ include? 
• Do you think God is just interested in works? What does our works produce?

5) There are three tests you can look at to see the evidence of salvation in your life: The Lordship Test, The Fellowship Test and the Relationship Test. Through the Lordship Test, we can see how well we are following and obeying the commands of God. Through the Fellowship Test, we can see how well we are with staying connected to other believers. And through the Relationship Test, we can see how well we are staying connected to God. Of these three, which one is strongest in your life? Which one do you feel is the weakest? 

Ask everyone if they have any more thoughts or comments about the discussion and video. And pray for everyone to use their "good works" to glorify God this week.