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?