Strarting a new series tonight...

We will be starting a new series tonight about Building Blocks of Community, here is the first lesson...

BUILDING BLOCKS OF COMMUNITY                                  

Building Trust

How can I help build a trusting community?

Ice Breaker:  What was the most significant thing that happened in your life this week?

Be Trustworthy  (read Psalm 15)

1.      Psalm 15 describes a person of integrity.  Discuss the “marks of a trustworthy person” listed . . . why and how they factor into trustworthiness.

2.      If you trust God, is it easier to trust other people?  Why or why not?

3.      If there was one area you could use some help, what would it be?  Which “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) might be an answer for that need?

Be Willing To Trust Others – Build Teamwork  (read Exodus 18:13-23)

1.      What was the problem?  What was the plan? Benefits?  What were the main qualities Moses was to look for in his helpers?

2.      Finish this sentence: “Trusting others is hard because . . .?”

3.      Share about a time when circumstances forced you to depend on others.   How did you feel?  How did it change you?

4.      Discuss how we might find the right balance between our leadership responsibilities and delegating some responsibilities to others?

5.      How do you see these principles applied in Small Groups like ours?

Wrap up:

Ø      Choosing one or the other, would you be more inclined to ask God to be more “trustworthy” or more “trusting”?

What Angels Do - Here is what we will study next.

ANGELS: GOD’S SPECIAL HELPERS                          

What Angels Do

Additional praises/significant happenings this past week:

Ice Breaker:  Who was the most surprising person to ever show up at your door?

Angels Worship God  (read psalm 103:20-21)

1. When we come together to sing and praise the Lord, are we (i.e. as humans) alone in this?  Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How might envisioning worship as the joining of human hearts and a host of angelic spirits draw us into the reality of the spiritual realm and the splendor of worship? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Angels Bring Messages From God  (read Acts 27:21-24)

1.      This angel’s task was to bring a message from God, a word of assurance to Paul.  Have you ever felt that an angel delivered a message to you?

2.      How would you respond if someone told you he/she had received a message from an angel, but you know the message contradicted the Gospel?  (see Galatians 1:8)

3.      Christians should not seek messages from angels but should not discount that God can still use angels as messengers.  Why doesn’t God usually direct us this way?  Discuss how God communicates with people today.

Angels Help God’s People (read Acts 12:6-11 )

1.      Pretend that you were Peter, how might you have reacted physically and emotionally?

2.      How can knowledge about the help of angels be assuring for believers?

Angels Will Gather God’s People at Christ’s Return (read Mark 13:26-27 )

1.      Why is this task given to angels . . . why did Jesus include this detail in describing His return?

Angels Will Be Agents of God’s Final Judgement (read Matthew 13:39b-42 )

1.      How will angels distinguish between the “weeds” and the “wheat”?

Wrap up:  How has this study increased your view of God and the work of His angels?

Prayer:

·        For one another

·        For our personal outreach this week

New Series about Angels - GOD’S SPECIAL HELPERS

OK, last nights study was awesome, and wraps up the last in that series. We will be starting a new series next week on angels, this topic has always been one of my favorites and I hope everyone will find it intriguing...

Here is next week's study if you would like to check it out before Tuesday.

ANGELS: GOD’S SPECIAL HELPERS                           

Questions About Angels

Additional praises/significant happenings this past week:

Ice Breaker:  How often do you think about angels?

Do Angels Exist? (read Psalm 148:2-5; Matthew 26:50-54)

1.      The Bible presents angels as real created beings without trying to prove their existence.  They were created to serve God.  What support for their existence do we find in these verses?

2.      Why do we sometimes forget that angels are for real?  How does accepting this truth change your ideas about angels?

How Are Angels Different From Humans?  (read Luke 20:34-36; Hebrews 1:14)

1.      What differences do we find between angels and humans from these references?

2.      Most of today’s media portray angels as having many human qualities, e.g. getting tired, frustrated, confused, falling in love, becoming emotionally involved with people, handsome and muscular, etc.  However the Bible usually describes them based on the task they are performing for God and does go into great detail explaining what they are like.  What dangers are there in portraying angels essentially as humans with special powers?

3.      What qualities about angels are the most important to remember?

Does Everyone Have A “Guardian Angel”? (read Psalm 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 18:10 )

1.      Many people believe that every person has a guardian angel assigned to watch over their welfare.  The title is not used in the Bible.  Biblical evidence about “guardian” angels is ambiguous at best.  What do these verses tell us about 1) God,  2) angels,  3) mankind? 

2.      Is the promise of angelic protection for all people?




Do Angels Have Special Powers? (read 2 Peter 2:9-11 )

1.      Peter’s point is that even good angels do not presume to judge the fallen angels (see 2:4) for that authority is reserved for God alone – not for people or even angels.  Peter reminds us that angels have more power that we have but are they all-powerful?  What limits are there on angelic powers?

2.      Why should we not overemphasize angels and their powers?

Wrap up:   How has this study affected your attitude toward angels?  Toward God?

Prayer:

·        Ministry to one another

·        For God’s handiwork in orchestrating our outreach efforts

Last one in this series next week...

Great time last Tuesday, it just gets better every time! This week we will be covering the last lesson in this series. Then we will be starting a new and exciting series next, so don't miss it! See everyone Tuesday, here is next weeks lesson to finish this series...

Called to Follow Jesus

The Call to Service

How can I serve Jesus?

Bible Truth: Jesus’ call to discipleship is a call to serve Him through serving people in His name.

*Just for fun:  Share about a vacation experience that turned into something ‘challenging’ you never expected!

Tell Others About Jesus   (Mark 5:1-20)

1.      Why do you think the people reacted as they did? How do you think you would have reacted?

2.      Why would Jesus not want the healed man to go with Him?

3.      In what way is proclaiming Jesus a privilege? In what way is it a responsibility?

4.      To the family members or friends (or anyone that doesn’t know Jesus) who you have not told how Jesus has shown mercy on you, what would you like to tell them?

Fulfill Your Mission    (Mark 6:6b-12)

1.      Discuss what can we learn from the disciples evangelistic mission. What lessons can we learn that apply to reaching Toledo and our world with the gospel?

2.      Was their purpose different from the mission Jesus has given to believers today? How was it different? How was it similar?

3.      How should we respond to those who reject the gospel?

Engage in Compassionate Ministry   (Mark 6:13-34; 8:2)

1.      Why are compassionate ministries often effective in reaching people for Christ?

2.      What ministries of compassion do we have at Westgate Chapel? What are some possible ministries you would like to see initiated that would demonstrate compassion in our culture today?

Take Time for Periodic Renewal   (Mark 6:30-31)

1.      What was the first thing the disciples did when they returned and why was (and is)  that so important?

2.      How do you know when your “burning the candle at both ends”?

3.      List reasons Christians should set aside time for spiritual renewal that begin with the letter:

¨       R  -  [e.g.,  rest, retool, …  ]

¨       E -

¨       N -

¨       E -

¨       W -

¨       A -

¨       L -

Review/Personal Application:

Ø      From this lesson, in what area is God nudging you to grow in your walk with Him?

Care and Prayer:  How can we help one another through prayer?

Ø      What family members or friends still need to hear what Jesus has done for you? (What steps can be taken to do this?)

Ø      In what areas do you need help or prayer to be more effective in sharing your faith?

Awesome Study Last Night - Here's Next Week's Study!

Wow, what an awesome study last night, I sure enjoyed it... What do we have to worry about if we are in God's hands, right? What awesome things we can do if we all work together to advance the Kingdom of God... awesome!

Hope to see everyone next week and bring a friend!  Here's what we will be discussing next week.

Called to Follow Jesus

The Call to Difficult Discipleship

What can I expect to experience as Jesus’ Disciple?

Bible Truth: Jesus calls people to a demanding way of life that can be lived only in complete dependence on His presence and strength.

*Just for fun: If you had to move and could only take 3 things with you, what would you take?

Jesus Disciples Encounter Conflict (Mark 2:3-12; 3:2, 6)

1. Why didn’t Jesus just heal the man like everyone expected . . . what new insight about himself is he revealing? Why are the teachers so upset? What was at stake? (See Lev. 24:13-16)
   

2. Even so, how does Jesus respond to them? (see also Mark 3:3-5)
   
   
   

3. Complete this statement: “The most difficult thing that could happen to me as a follower of Christ is…“
   
   
   And, “Opposition that I have experienced as a Christian was . . . “

Jesus’ Disciples Experience Joy and Sorrow (Mark 2:18-20)

1. Jesus used feasting and fasting to illustrate the “joys” and “sorrows” that believers would experience. Why do you think He used these examples . . . how do they relate to joy and sorrow? How might they apply to us today?
   
   
   
   
2. How can believers prepare for times of hardship, sorrow, or difficulty (e.g. loss of job, sickness, ridicule, etc.)? Can one prepare for this? (see Romans 12:17-21)
   
   
   
   
3. How does God use painful events to teach us and grow us into more mature disciples? Can you share an example from personal experience?

Jesus’ Disciples Need To Draw Strength From His Presence (Mark 6:42-44; 8:8-10; 8:14-21)

1. What is Jesus’ point in highlighting the baskets of food that remained after feeding the 5000 and the 4000? What should the disciples understand about Him from those experiences?
   
   
   
   
2. How are the disciples like and unlike the Pharisees? (vv. 11-12)
   
   
   
   
3. What does Matthew 11:28-30 mean to you personally?

Review/Personal Application:

• What truth can you put into practice this week?

Care and Prayer: How can we help one another through prayer?

• If you had friends who would take you to Jesus for healing today, what kind of healing would you ask for? (Physical, spiritual, emotional, relational)
  
  
  
• Is there a need you are having difficulty believing Jesus can meet?

Next Week's Bible Study

Here is next weeks Bible study, so you can look it over if you like...

Called to Follow Jesus

The Call for Obedient Response

How should I respond to Jesus’ call to discipleship?

 Bible Truth:  Jesus’ authoritative call to discipleship demands prompt response, total commitment to him, and

                      readiness to work with His other disciples.

*Just for fun - Finish this statement,  “A time I took a big chance but it paid off was… “

Obey Readily   or   “Compliance”     (Mark 1: 16-20)

1.      One of today’s prevalent attitudes is for people to “keep their options open.” What does this phrase really mean? What are some ways / why do people put this attitude into practice?

2.      What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “Come, follow Me”?

3.      Although the disciples Jesus called had prior contact with Him, they made an immediate decision to follow Him when He called them. Did you respond to Jesus’ call immediately, or did you wait? Why?

4.      Jesus used the illustration of “fishers of men” when calling fishermen. What illustration might Jesus use if He were calling you from your current profession?

     What was the main idea that Jesus had in mind when He said, “I will make you fishers of 

     men”?

Commit Totally  or  “Commitment”           ( Mark 2: 13-14)

1.      What do we know about Levi?

2.      What differences / similarities do you see in the response of Levi compared to the fishermen?  (Consider their costs in committing to follow Christ.)

3.      Discuss the insecurities/fears people might experience in total commitment to Christ. How do these compare to the security/assurances we have as a devoted follower of Christ.

Join Others To Do Jesus’ Work    or      “Cooperation”            (Mark 3: 13-19)

1.      What are the two purposes given for Jesus selecting the 12?

2.      What does it mean to be “with Him”? To be “sent out” by Him?

3.      Do you think the disciples found working with each other easy? Discuss the advantages and for Jesus calling such diverse and ordinary people?

4.      How can we team up to do Jesus’ work, what does that mean to you?

Review/Personal Application

Ø      Is there an area where you are afraid to totally commit to Jesus that you need to pray about?

Care and Prayer:  How can we help one another through prayer

Welcome to Our Small Group

This is what we discussed tonight, awesome discussion!




Called to Follow Jesus

Jesus’ Authority to Call Disciples

By what authority does Jesus call me to be His disciple?

*Just for fun – When the mail comes, what do you open and read first?

Jesus Authority Is Based On His Deity (Mark 1:1)

1. What is meant by “Deity”?

2. The name “Jesus” identified Him as Savior; the title “Christ” presented Him as the Messiah (deliverer and ruler of the Jews). But as “Son of God”, Jesus’ Sonship designated Him as supernatural.
   
   How do the following verses affirm Jesus’ deity?
   

John 1:18
John 5:22, 23
John 10:10
John 10:28-30
John 10:31, 37-38
Matthew 26:28
Matthew 28:18

3. What is the most compelling evidence to you personally that Jesus is God? Why?

Jesus’ Authority Is Revealed In His Power To Transform (Mark 1:2-8)

1. What does the phrase “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” mean? Discuss how this relates to Jesus’ ability to transform people. Give examples from the Bible . . . from your own personal experience.

Jesus Authority Was Confirmed By God’s Endorsement (Mark 1:9-11)

1. Identify how these verses make reference to the three persons of the Trinity. Discuss the significance of the Trinity in terms of Jesus’ authority to call disciples.
   
   *Mark 9:2-7 depicts a similar endorsement

2. Look at two other references of Jesus’ existence prior to Marks’ testimony. How do they confirm His authority?
   John 1:1,14 Genesis 1:26; 3:22

Jesus Authority Is Demonstrated by His Victory Over Temptation

(Mark 1:12-13; Hebrews 4:14-16)

1. What does it mean to be tempted?
   
   

2. Why would the Spirit lead Jesus into a time of temptation?
   
   

3. Do you think the Holy Spirit leads believers into periods of temptation today? Why or why not? (see James 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:5)
   
   

4. What are some promises of God for when we face temptation?
   
   1 Corinthians 10:13 Hebrews 2:18; 4:16
   

5. How does Jesus’ victory over temptation reinforce His authority to call us His disciples?

Review/Personal Application:

• What did I learn about God or myself?

• What did I learn that I can use today?

Care and Prayer: How can we help one another through prayer?