Life Group Discussion Guides

RELATIONAL COVENANT--PASTOR TONY

Discussion Guide – “RELATIONAL COVENANT”- PASTOR TONY
Questions by Pastor Ric
August 20, 2017 

Covenants are foundational to our understanding of God and His relationship with man. Relationships that are unhealthy and broken can seriously affect people and its cuture in very negative ways.  This study will remind us of exactly what a convenant is, why it is important in healthy relationships and how we can renew our commitment to them. 

Feel free to use more or less of these questions.  They are here to move us from knowledge to obedience as God’s Spirit speaks to our hearts.  Share what God is doing in your heart as a result and have others you trust hold you to account for the life-change God is working in you.

TEXT:  Genesis 2, 3,6, 15; Exodus 19; 2 Samuel 7; Matthew 5:27-37

1. Broken relationships are common in our culture. Describe (generally) a broken relationship you have experienced and how it has affected you (and your family).
2. The concept of a covenant is a biblical one. What are the main differences in how our culture views a covenant/relationship v. the biblical standard?  Discuss how speaking the truth in our culture has disappeard.  How has your standard of truth been affected?
3. The relationships built in a Life Group are important. What are the key qualities in Life Group relationships that make Life Groups a safe place where people are loved and encouraged and challenged?
4. What is the difference between a “conditional covenant” and an “unconditional covenant”?
5. The covenants of God with man (OT) lead us to the redemptive plan of His people through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The “New Covenant” reconciled God and man once and for all and is permanent.  What are the qualifications for being a part of this permanent convenant?  What are the benefits of this covenant? 
6. How does the New Covenant (and Jesus’ model) empower/benefit us in our relationships with others?
7. What are the specific ways we disregard God’s standards for covenants? What must we do to change to conform to God’s standards in our relationships?  How can a Life Group be a key part of such change? 
8. Healthy relationships and covenant-keeping are matters of the heart. Take some time and look deeply into your heart with God’s help.  What are the deep issues that need God’s healing?  What are the broken relationships that need restored?  What/who do we need to do to help make it happen?

The Way: God Loves The Whole World--Pastor Joel

Discussion Guide – The Way:   “God Loves the Whole World”- PASTOR JOEL

Questions by Pastor Ric

August 13, 2017

If we want to understand the history of the church and the Gospel, Acts is our book.  This study will continue to give us a picture of how the early church handled its beginnings, struggles and subsequent growth in a culture not unlike our own—somewhat hostile but open to spiritual things.  We need this.

Feel free to use more or less of these questions.  They are here to move us from knowledge to obedience as God’s Spirit speaks to our hearts.  Share what God is doing in your heart as a result and have others you trust hold you to account for the life-change God is working in you.

TEXT:  Theme from Acts, assorted biblical references (John 3:16, 17, 18; PS 96; GEN 22: 17. 18; RO 10)

1. There is a bumper sticker that reads, “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions”. When it comes to biblical faith, it clearly goes beyond geography and politics.  How can a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salvation help us cope with the divisiveness of our contemporary political climate?
2. The command to make disciples is plainly stated (MA 28:18-20) and many times it requires us to get out of our comfort zones. Why should we get out of our comfort zones and make disciples? How can we do that?  Discuss the ways you and your Life Group is using Mission (what you do in Jesus’ name outside of the church) to encourage each other to ministry and discipleship.  Discuss also why we are prone to stay in our comfort zones and many times not make disciples.
3. When does biblical discipleship actually begin and why? (we are always being discipled by the culture)
4. There is so much familiarity with John 3:16, which is fine, but it was also good to hear about John 3:17 today. Here is the Message translation of that verse: “God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.”  It is easy for Christ-followers to get caught up in being judgmental of a culture that continues its movement away from God.  How can we help each other become better “lovers” of people and avoid our propensity to criticize the culture?
5. Talk about your ‘Oikos” as a group. What is it?  Who is it?  What are your plans for discipleship and mission in your group’s Oikos in the coming year?
6. I have often wondered if persecution is coming to America. We see some small beginnings of it.  What do you think would happen if American Christians came under the kind of persecution the church saw in Acts? 
7. Life Groups are the church (in general terms) in its smallest, safest and most intimate form. How could the future of the church depend on them, if persecution becomes severe?
8. Acts 1:8 speaks of the Spirit’s power enabling us to testify to what Christ has done in our lives…So, to whom is God asking you to speak with when it comes to “going” to your Oikos? How can LEFC help you?  How is the command to speak the good news to all the earth carried out at LEFC?