LifeGroup Info

Weekly questions and information

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

by | January 17, 2021 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Summary

The new community of believers in Thessalonica were grieving over the loss of loved ones in light of the hope of the 2nd coming of Jesus. Paul writes as a pastor to inform them and encourage them that because Jesus died and rose again, we have the sure hope that all those who are in Christ whether dead or alive, will always be with the Lord. And with this truth we should encourage one another.

Focus

Basic Christian belief is that we are ever living never dying people. Death is not the end of our journey it is a door way to eternity. This week we’ll talk about how that truth should affect the way we live as believers.

Discussion Questions

 

1) What did you take away for this weekends message?

2) What fears do you have about death?

3) Read vs 13. What do you think is Paul’s intention with this verse?

4) Read vss 14 and 15 and 2 Corinthians 5:8. What is Paul saying will happen to those who have already died in Jesus?

4) How do you find these passages comforting?

6) In what ways is a Christian’s grief different than non believers? What does it look like to grieve with hope? Can you find any examples from scripture?

7) How does the hope (assurance) of his return affect the way you live?

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

by | January 10, 2021 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Summary

The biblical teaching of Christ’s return is almost always tied to the admonition to be alert and awake. That is, we are to live with a sense of urgency, making the most of our opportunities, with an eternal perspective on our life and choices. There is also a call to minister, and to evangelize. “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).

Focus

Then focus of this week’s discussion is how we can better minister to one another within the body of Christ and secondly, how we can best be a light to nonbelievers.

Discussion Questions

 

1) What challenged you from the weekend message?

2) Read verses 9-10.What is the “love of the brethren?” What did Jesus have to say about it?

3) Read verses 11-12. What does it look like for you to live a holy and honorable personal life?

4) What do you think “to lead a quiet life” means? Describe it.
Note: The word “quiet” means quiet in the sense of restfulness rather than quiet as opposed to talkativeness. Paul was telling the Thessalonians to be less frantic, not less exuberant.
*What is the value of leading this kind of life?
*How do we achieve a quiet life? Where does it start?

5) In Paul’s culture, what do you think “work with your hands” means? What does it mean in today’s culture?

6) Why is it important to win the respect of outsiders (non-believers). In what ways do you feel that you are leading a life that wins the respect of non-believers?

If you knew the lord was going to return in 2021, how would you live differently?

Managing Conflict in Marriage Pt. 3

by | December 14, 2020 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

1 Corinthians 13

Summary

This was part 7 in the series, on marriage. In this final message, Bill discussed 6 key principles in conflict resolution:
1) Invite Jesus into the conflict
2) look for the win win in the conflict
3) Improve your communication
4) Initiate it in the right time and place
5) Invite the help of others when needed
6) Insist on not giving up

Focus

Conflict is essential for the healthy functioning of a relationship. Happily married couples are more likely to resolve their differences than discouraged or unhappy couples. We’ll talk about these 6 key areas for  Conflict resolution. 

Discussion Questions

1) Share a principle or insight you learned from the weekend sermon that was helpful. If you’re not sure you understand something, pose a question to the group for discussion.

 

2) Which of these 6 principles is most difficult for you to do? Which is easiest? Why?

 

3) Listening is not the same as hearing. Why is listening so much more difficult than hearing?

 

4) Read 1 Cor 13:6 and Phil 2:3. Bill said the typical mindset in conflict is:

My way

Your way

No way—no way any one can win. So withdraw or ignore the problem

Half way—compromise. Neither gets what they want. So both  lose

Our way

But both can parties can win. Which of these 5 is most typical of you?

What can you do to get to “Our Way”?

 

5) What is one thing you have learned to do or say that seems to help your relationship?

 

6) What from Bill’s teaching could be put into practical application this week?

 

7) In this series on marriage and relationships, in ways were you challenged or encouraged? Were there any points/thoughts that you did not agree with?

Managing Conflict in Marriage Pt. 2

by | December 6, 2020 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

1 Corinthians 13

Summary

Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is immune. But when managed biblically, conflict can be a catalyst for change and an opportunity for spiritual and relational growth. Many followers of Christ have not yet developed the ability to respond to conflict in a gospel-centered and biblically way. But when Christians learn to resolve conflict they can turn it into an opportunity to strengthen relationships and make their lives a testimony to the love and power of Christ. 

Focus

For the past two weeks Bill has given us biblical tools to be a peacemaker. Last week he said o resolve conflict it is important to:
1) Deal with conflict as soon as possible
2) Seek to understand rather than to be understood 
This week he gave us three more tools
3) Learn to reveal your heart 
4) Accept your part of the conflict before telling others their fault.
5) Determine the right time, attitude and words for the conflict
This week we’ll talk about numbers 3, 4, and 5

Discussion Questions

I). To manage conflict accept your part of the conflict before telling the other person their fault. 
a). Have you ever gone to someone to address a hurt only to discover you were more in the wrong than you thought? How did you deal with that?
b). Read Matthew 7:3-5 What are some practical steps that you have found helpful in seeking to “take the log out of your own eye”? Is it difficult for you to admit wrong? Why?
 II).   To manage conflict learn to reveal your heart.
a). What kinds of things do you tell yourself to avoid sharing your hurt with someone else?
b). Is it difficult for you to share your emotions with another individual? What holds you back from telling another person how you’ve been hurt by them?
III). To manage conflict, determine the right time, attitude and words for the conflict.
a). What is your first response when you are confronted? Defend, Deny, or  Deflect? Explain.
b). If the goal is reconciliation rather than trying to “prove a point,” or “being understood” how should this alter your approach? How do you know when  it’s the right time to deal with a conflict?
c). Read James 5:16. How could you initiate a conversation with someone who has hurt or offended you? Brainstorm some opening lines?

Psalm 139 with Bobby Baugh

by | November 29, 2020 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

Psalm 139

Summary

In Psalm 139, David takes the theology terms ‘omniscience’, omnipotence, and omnipresence off the top shelf and brings them down to a personal level. To David, these concepts are not theological or philosophical—but relational and personal. David saw having a right knowledge of God as essential to living a fulfilling life with purpose.

Focus

How we view God and our relationship determines our view of everything else around us. If we have an incorrect view of God, we will have an incorrect view of who we are,  our relationship with Him, and our relationship with others.

Discussion Questions

1) What did you learn from pastor Bobby’s message from Psalm 139?

 

2) In your own words, define these three terms— omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence? 

 

3) Why is it important to understand god’s omniscience

4) How does David feel about God’s total knowledge of him? 139:6

 

5) How do you feel about God’s total knowledge of you? Why?

 

6) Even though we cannot “get away” from God, what do you do to sometimes hold Him at a distance?

 

7) Since David has already acknowledged that God knows everything about him, what is his purpose in asking God to search him and know his heart? Why does God need to search our hearts instead of us searching our own hearts?

1 Corinthians 13

by | November 22, 2020 | LifeGroups | 0 Comments

Text

1 Corinthians 13

Summary

Conflict occurs in every marriage. Bill shared two key elements in dealing with conflict:

1) We wait to long to deal with conflict and secondly, We don’t hear or understand the other person

Focus

Conflict in marriage is unavoidable because we are imperfect people whom God graciously loves in spite of our imperfections. We may need to recognize that conflict is one of those givens (natural consequences) of living and loving in a close relationship.
The Lord does not leave the Christian couple to wander unaided in such situations. Below are some questions to help you be better prepared to deal with conflict. In your relationship

Discussion Questions

1) Share a principle or insight that was helpful or, if you’re not sure you understand something, pose a question to the group for discussion.
2) A majority of couples go out of their way to avoid conflict with their partner. Couples who ignore problems in hopes they will disappear find the opposite will happen.” What happens when you avoid conflict with your partner?
3) When are you more prone to “mess up” with your spouse?
4) Read Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Love is not easily angered (1 Cor. 13:5) and love manages itself when it is angry. What are some ways to manage anger in a relationship?
5) Is there an offense or an issue between you and your spouse that you need to discuss? If so, is your attitude one of listening to understand or listening to prepare counter attack?
6) “The struggle is worth the peace that awaits your marriage on the other side of the effort and energy you are investing”. Do agree or disagree. Why”
7)  1 Peter 3:10 says  whoever would “love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” Assuming you want to have “good days” this week, what specific action will you take to improve your ability to manage conflict?
8) Pray as a group about the key relationship principles you discussed and how you can implement them in your relationship.