11-3-2014 - Psalms 40-43

Psalm 40-43

The Psalms are the national songs of Israel.  Like music today, it deals with raw human experience and often can be both uplifting and sad at the same time.  Take a look through these four Psalms – read them over a few times – and see what you notice.  Write down the thoughts that strike you – what you learn, what challenges you, what questions you have, etc.  Here are some study questions to help spur on your exploration and to help us when we meet…

1          What emotions do you see in these songs? 

2.         What would you say is David’s issue in Psalm 40?

“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission” – compare to 40:6-8

How does David deal with his enemies?

3.         In Psalm 41, why does David have a soft spot in his heart for someone who looks out for the weak and vulnerable?

v. 11 – I know that you are pleased with me…. What do you think about this statement?

4          Psalm 42 talks about thirsting in my soul.  What do souls thirst for other than God?

This Psalmist seems to be struggling with depression, hopelessness, and despair.  Anything we can learn about the dark times from what this song says?

5          In Psalm 43, it seems that the song writer is under attack.  What is his outlook on the situation?

            What is the status of the attack as he writes?  What is the common experience as we live through times like this?

            What can we learn from the way this song is written?

For Next Time (11/17)  - Political Correctness….

Our culture today is very careful to push everyone toward what is ‘acceptable’ by the current standards.  What directions are positive about this cultures agenda?  And what standards are damaging or dangerous to society?  Are there any current political concepts that come from a Biblical or Christian foundation?

10-17-2014 - Language

Language

1          Why do you think the world in general has expectations of Christians when it comes to the types of language they use?  What kinds of speech do they react to? 

2.         What types of language do you consider to be ‘out of bounds’ for a Christian?  How do you decide on what is acceptable and what is not?

Some Scripture to consider – what Biblical principles can you take from these passages?

Exodus 20:7, 16

Ephesians 4:29-31

Ephesians 5:3-4

James 3:1-12

Psalm 19:14

Luke 6:45

3.         Do you see any real or lasting impact that comes from the language we choose to use?

4          Are there influences that make it more difficult to stay ‘in bounds’ with our speech?  What would you recommend to someone trying to clean up their language?

5          How should a believer react to someone who uses language that is ‘out of bounds’ for the Christian?  Is there any difference whether this person is a believer or not?  Mature in their faith? 

For Next Time (11/3) – Let’s take a chance to share how each of us learn from and apply God’s Word to our lives.  Read Psalms 40, 41, 42, and 43, and come ready to share what you have learned from it or how you would apply what is written to your own life.

10-6-2014 - Porn

Pornography

1          What effect is pornography having on our culture today? 

2.         Is it OK to use pornography as a Christian?  If so, under what circumstances?  If not, why not?

Some Scripture to consider

Hebrews 13:4

Matthew 5:27-29

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Proverbs 5:15-23

3.         Any ideas on what someone would do if they wanted to stop using porn?

4          Why doesn’t getting married stop some people from using porn?

5          What impact do you think porn use has on the person using it?  (especially in the way they relate to others)  What impact does it have on those close to the user? 

6.         Is there anything the Christian community can / should do to help those struggling with this issue?

For Next Time – Language – what is OK and what isn’t?  Why?  How do we evaluate our use of words considered dirty or vulgar?  Any Scriptural input?

9-15-2014 - Chariots of Fire (2 Kings 2)

Days Of Elijah

Chariots of Fire – 2 Kings 2

1          A day comes when Elijah will be ‘taken’.  The discussion starts with Elijah inviting Elisha to stay behind several times.  What do you think this is about? 

2.         Any idea why Elijah parts the water with his cloak?

3.         Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit – what is he asking for?  And how does Elijah answer?  Why not a yes or no?

4          Elijah leaves in a very unique way…. Why do you think God did it like this?

5          The prophets don’t believe Elijah is gone – even though Elisha tells them.  Can we relate to their thinking? 

6.         Elisha heals some water – how does this problem and miracle fit in the story?

7.         The kids making fun of Elisha face some pretty serious consequences – is this extreme and vengeful?

For Next Time – Pornography… how do we live with this reality?  What is normal?  What effect is this issue having on us?  What can we do about it?  What should we do about it?

8-18-2014 Trusting the Wrong God (2 Kings 1)

Days Of Elijah

Trusting the Wrong God – 2 Kings 1

1          Ahaziah becomes king following the death of Ahab, and you’d think that would make his life pretty awesome.  You’re rich, you’re in charge, and our human way of thinking would believe that these circumstances really eliminate most of the problems of life.  What happens to him – does this challenge our normal way of thinking?

2.        Why does Ahaziah want his men to go to Baal-Zebub instead of God?  The motivation for idolatry is not uncommon.  What kind of stuff do we go to (instead of God) to find what we want?

3.        Did you notice that God answers anyway?  What does God say to explain why Ahaziah is going to die?  Is God a vengeful God?

4          Elijah dressed weird… hipster?

5          Why did the 102 men need to die? 

6.        What is different about the third captain with 50 men?

8-3-2014 - Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

Days Of Elijah

Naboth’s Vineyard – 1 Kings 21

1          Seems like Ahab starts off with a pretty fair deal – why didn’t Naboth want to sell his vineyard?  Is there anything wrong or dumb about Naboth’s decision?  Why did it anger and frustrate Ahab?  Application??

2.         Jezebel fixes the problem – why did she choose this method?  Why not just seize it?

3.         God sends Elijah to Ahab to pronounce judgment – what is the price to be paid?

4          Ahab’s response to Elijah – so you have found me, my enemy – what does this tell us about how Ahab viewed this storyline so far

5          We hear that Ahab was the worst king Israel had (up to that point).  What is called out as the primary reason for his wickedness?  Are there foundational decisions or small decisions that we make that can change the direction of our lives? 

6.         What does Ahab’s repentance and God’s response at the end of the chapter tell us?

7-21-2014 Young Adults Study Sheet

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

Summer Days of Elijah

1 Kings 19 – Ready to Give Up

1.                 After the miracles of fire from heaven, and the rain after 3 years of drought, Jezebel makes a threat on Elijah’s life.  Can you relate to having someone out to get you?  What kinds of thought processes does that bring up for you?

2.                 Elijah has a very dramatic reaction to this threat – in v. 3-4.  How would you describe his reaction?  What should someone do when they find themselves in this emotional place?

3.                 An angel meets Elijah under a tree and makes some food for him.  What can we take from this part of the story?  Why do you think God sent this angel to do this for Elijah?

4.                 When Elijah gets to the mountain and has a conversation with God, the first thing Elijah says is kind of a pity-party for himself.  Why do you think Elijah feels this way?  When is it normal to feel like this?

5.                 God tells Elijah that His presence is going to pass by the mountain.  As you read the descriptions of what happens next, what do you think God was saying to Elijah through these events?

6.                 Again Elijah pours out his complaint to God – and God answers him.  He is to anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet, and he is not alone.  Would you see either of these answers as meaningful for our lives?  Is there any connection to how God will answer us in our pity-party?

7.           After Elisha is called, he goes and slaughters his oxen and burns his plowing equipment.  What do you think about this?

For next time….  1 Kings 21… Naboth’s Vineyard

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mkPeJ83lVlUbRll-n9zCMrw4o1R-hg1de8wzNbBoojM/pub

Days of Elijah Pt. 2

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

Summer Days of Elijah

1 Kings 18

1. This chapter starts with “After a long time”…. Meaning that Israel went three years without rain. What does it feel like to wait ‘a long time’ for something you need?  Is there anything that helps – anything that makes it harder?

2. We see Obadiah (who was in charge of Ahab’s household) was a devout believer.  Is it unusual that the most evil king would have someone like that so close to him?  What challenges and opportunities did Obadiah have because of that position?

3. Ahab’s comment to Elijah about ‘the troubler of Israel’ brings up the reality of different perspectives on shared circumstances.  Why did Ahab blame Elijah?  Why did Elijah blame Ahab?

4. Elijah sets up a contest between himself and the prophets of Baal.  What do you notice about this setup?

5. The prophets of Baal get to go first – how would you describe their attempt to get fire from Baal?

6. How would you describe Elijah’s efforts to get fire from God?

7. God had told Elijah that rain was coming – yet at the end of the chapter, we see Elijah praying for rain…. Why do you think he does that?

For next time….  1 Kings 19… Ready to Give Up

June 16, 2014 Discussion Sheet (1 Kings 17)

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

Summer Days of Elijah

1 Kings 17

 

 

1. The setup to the story of Elijah is found in ch 16:29ff… what does this have to do with the arrival of Elijah and his ministry?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

2. The first thing we see Elijah do is declare that there will be no rain. Why was this a big deal? What do you think this moment was like for Elijah?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

3. God calls Elijah to go 'hide out' near a stream in Kerith where he has a slightly strange diet. What can we learn from this?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

   The phrase "Where God leads, God feeds" comes from this story. What does this mean?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

4. In v. 7, the brook (that was Elijah's source of survival) dries up. This may have brought up some questions in Elijah's head….
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

5. How does God provide for Elijah? Why do you think He chose to use a widow?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

6. The widow's son dies and she blames Elijah. Why do you think that she thought it was his fault?
   

   
    

   
    

   
    

7. Is there anything in the way Elijah brings the son back to life that sticks out to you?
   

 

 

 

For next time…. 1 Kings 18… Calling Down Fire from Heaven

The Christian and Weed

The Christian and Weed

Discussion Sheet

6-2-14

If you haven’t smoked weed, you probably know someone who has. The drug is growing more and more in popularity and in cultural acceptance. A lot of people have allowed the fact that the drug is illegal to govern their opinion on it. It appears that option will not be around for a lot long, so it's time to take a deeper look at marijuana, it's draws and drawbacks.

1. Simply put, RIGHT NOW is it okay for a Christian to smoke marijuana? How does Romans 13:1-2 influence your answer?

2. When/if marijuana is legalized, or if living in a state where it is already legalized, is it then okay to smoke marijuana?

3. Some have argued for the use of marijuana by saying that God has given us every plant and it's seed (Gen. 1:29) or that the earth is the Lord's and every thing in it (Psalm 24:1). Marijuana is a natural plant given to us by God, shouldn't we be allowed to smoke it…or so the argument goes. What do you think of that?

4. A parallel between marijuana and alcohol is often made both by supports and detractors of either substance. Do you think comparing the two is fair? Can Ephesians 5:18 be applied to marijuana use?

5. How does 1 Corinthians 10:23-31 apply to marijuana use?

6. Are there any ways in which marijuana use would help you to be a tool of God's kingdom? Are there any ways in which marijuana use could hinder your ability to be used by God?

Printable Version

Discussion Sheet 5-19-2014 (Acts 1-2)

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

Acts 1-2

1. With such a large variety of churches in the world, it can be confusing to try to define what a church ‘should be’.  As we read these two chapters, we’re trying to notice what characterized the church at the very start.  This is the story of how the church started.  Do you see one thing in these two chapters that describe something that should be a part of EVERY church?

2. In ch 1:1-11, we see Jesus ascend to heaven.  Luke (the author of Acts) tells us a few things about this event and the days leading up to it.  What would you think Jesus most wanted His disciples to know as He left?

3. What do you think about what happened to Judas?  What does this mean about him?  Assuming that there is an afterlife, do you think that Judas went to heaven or hell?

Does it surprise you how they picked his replacement?  Was this a mistake or the right thing to do?

4. In chapter 2, we read about how the Holy Spirit arrived and first came into believers.  Why do you think it happened like this?

5. Can we learn anything about the spiritual gift of tongues from this passage?

6. What was Peter’s sermon about?  What was the result?

7. In 2:42-47, we see the way this first church functioned.  How close are we to this?  What elements are present and which ones are absent today?  What would it take for us to return to this ideal?

For next time….  The Christian and Weed

Marijuana seems to be a continual reality in our culture.  How much temptation is there for a Christian to participate?  Is there anything wrong with it?  Anything right with it?  What does God think about it?  With more and more legal access to it, the arguments about being a law-abiding citizen carry less and less weight.  Is there any Biblical concept that guides our use of marijuana?  (see 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23; Eph 5:18; Romans 14:22-23)

What makes it so appealing to people?  What are the drawbacks?

A link for the document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E8QB5ccA0zQK5kF6GMnJ1Ad31MHyTb4HlVhPne36va4/edit?usp=sharing

Jesus Friend of Sinners - Discussion Sheet

Young Adults Discussion Sheet 
“Friend of Sinners” 
(Printable Version)

1. Jesus was known as a ‘friend of sinners’. What are your initial impressions about this phrase – what do you think it means?

2. Matt 11:19 & Luke 7:34– In these passages, Jesus puts these words in the mouths of His critics. When you look at this in connection with what they had to say about John the Baptist (in the verse before), what was Jesus’ point? And what were His critics trying to say about Him? 

3. Can we or should we follow Jesus in this today?

4. John 8:1-11 – Assuming this is a part of the legitimate story of Jesus, what does this tell us about Jesus’ approach to sin and sinners? Would this bring criticism today or praise? 

5. Luke 23:38-43 – The thief on the cross story also speaks to this issue – what does this tell us about Jesus’ approach to those who are sinful? 

6. Luke 19:1-10 – The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector may seem like a weird story, but tax collectors were possibly considered the worst sinners in Israel. Considering this, what can we learn aobut Jesus’ attitude to people living in a lifestyle of sin? Are there any comparable situations for us today? 

 7. Matt 9:9-13 – Similarly, Jesus called a tax collector to be one of His disicples (Matthew). What other things could Jesus have said or have asked Matthew to do that He didn’t? What does it say that Matthew became one of the Twelve and eventually wrote one of the gospels?

 For next time…. Let’s read through the start of the church and the first people to become Christians. In Acts 1-2, we see how the church started. What can we learn about what a church should be and how it should operate from this? Is there anything here that challenges us, confuses us, or teaches us?

Study Sheet for 5-5-2014

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

“Friend of Sinners”

 

 

1.                Jesus was known as a ‘friend of sinners’.  What are your initial impressions about this phrase – what do you think it means?

 

 

 

2.                Matt 11:19 & Luke 7:34– In these passages, Jesus puts these words in the mouths of His critics. When you look at this in connection with what they had to say about John the Baptist (in the verse before), what was Jesus’ point?  And what were His critics trying to say about Him?

 

 

 

3.                Can we or should we follow Jesus in this today?

 

 

 

4.                John 8:1-11 – Assuming this is a part of the legitimate story of Jesus, what does this tell us about Jesus’ approach to sin and sinners?   Would this bring criticism today or praise?

 

 

 

5.                Luke 23:38-43 – The thief on the cross story also speaks to this issue – what does this tell us about Jesus’ approach to those who are sinful?

 

 

 

6.                Luke 19:1-10 – The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector may seem like a weird story, but tax collectors were possibly considered the worst sinners in Israel.  Considering this, what can we learn aobut Jesus’ attitude to people living in a lifestyle of sin?  Are there any comparable situations for us today?

 

 

 

7.          Matt 9:9-13 – Similarly, Jesus called a tax collector to be one of His disicples (Matthew).  What other things could Jesus have said or have asked Matthew to do that He didn’t?  What does it say that Matthew became one of the Twelve and eventually wrote one of the gospels?

 

For next time….  Let’s read through the start of the church and the first people to become Christians.  In Acts 1-2, we see how the church started.  What can we learn about what a church should be and how it should operate from this?  Is there anything here that challenges us, confuses us, or teaches us?

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?page=view&resid=60C9A94142102DE3!1776&authkey=!AGWJT8oNIKYHtPw

Study Sheet for 4-21-2014

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

Revelation 1-3

 

 

 

1.      Unmistakably God’s work – can you share a time in your life where you absolutely knew that you could see God at work in your life?  What happened?  How were you sure that it was God at work?

 

 

 

REVELATION 1-3

 

2.      This book is generally considered to be prophecies about the ‘end times’ or the time when God brings a close to the normal history of mankind.  As John the Apostle opens the book, he makes a point to say that this will happen ‘soon’ and that ‘the time is near’.  It has been about 2000 years since John wrote this book, so what’s the deal?

 

 

 

 

3.      In the first chapter, Jesus describes Himself using some unique terms (v. 8, 17-18).  What do these descriptions tell you about Jesus? 

 

 

 

 

4.      Also in chapter 1, John himself describes what Jesus looks like – how would you summarize what John says?

 

 

 

 

5.      John goes through seven churches of the first century and gives each of them an inspired message from Jesus.  How would you describe what Jesus says to each church?

 

Ephesus

 

 

Smyrna

 

 

Pergamum

 

 

Thyatira

 

 

Sardis

 

 

Philadelphia

 

 

Laodicea

 

 

 

 

6.      Which of these churches would you say is most like the American church (in general) in 2014?

 

 

 

 

7.      Which church do you think is the worst?  The best?

 

 

 

 

8.      The church at Laodicea was called ‘lukewarm’ – what does this mean?

 

 

 

 

9.      Jesus says He stands at the door and knocks – why does He knock?  On whose door?

 

 

 

 

For next time….  Jesus was known as a ‘friend of sinners’ (Matt 11:19; Luke 7:34).  What does this mean and how can we follow Jesus in this today?  (see also John 8:1-11; Luke 23:38-43; Luke 19:1-10; Matt 9:9-13)

4-7-2014 Note Sheet

Young Adults Discussion Sheet

The Pressure to Couple

 

 

 

1.      Rubber Meets the Road – where faith and real life collide….  Where is the spot where you are finding it most challenging to let faith determine the choices you are making or how you view your life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any place you feel at a loss for answers or guidance in your life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coupling

 

2.      Do you think there is pressure on most people to be a part of a couple (to feel like there is something wrong with them or less to them if they aren’t)?  Where do you think this pressure primarily comes from?  Is it internal or external?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.      In what ways do people interact that suggest being a part of a couple is more desirable or valuable than being single?

 

 

 

 

4.        Have you ever noticed someone who seems to need to be in a relationship?  What do you think was the biggest factor in making them feel like that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.         In 1 Corinthians 7:8, Paul seems to suggest that it is better (more desirable) to be single.  Is this a timely truth or outdated?  How do we use this teaching in our lives today?

 

 

 

 

 

6.         How does Genesis 2:18 add to our understanding of singleness, coupling, marriage, and dating?

 

 

 

 

 

7.         It seems that the point of ‘dating’ in our culture today is to have someone you can belong with – to feel loved and accepted.  Is there any deeper purpose in dating for a believer?

 

 

 

 

 

8.         Assuming God has called some to be single at this moment, what are some ways that the rest of the church can encourage them, support them, and uphold them in this calling?

 

 

 

 

 

 

For next time….  A two-fold concept – First, we’ll give you a chance to share a life experience where you believe God has been at work in your life so clearly that you can’t miss it

                          Second, Revelation is a heavy book and we’d never have time to do the whole thing at YA, but read the 1^st 3 chapters and let’s talk about the stuff we see in the intro to Revelation – what can we learn, what can we apply, what questions do we have?