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This week's scripture references:
- Matthew 25:40
- Matthew 5:14
Questions for today:
- So, are you ready to go be a missionary in Calcutta?
- Rod’s introductory comments about how we treat visitors fit nicely with Piet’s opening story about talking with a friend about spiritual matters. How do you explain your faith to someone who knows nearly nothing about God? How do you talk with them about what you believe, why you believe it, and how it impacts your life?
- Do you know people who don’t see much good in the world? How does that affect their ideas about God?
- Before this weekend’s message, what did you know about Mother Teresa? What kind of things did you learn about her today?
- Mother Teresa was accused of having romantic intentions towards her priest when she was trying to persuade him to let her go to India for missions work. When have you been misunderstood when you were trying to do something good? How did you deal with that misunderstanding?
- Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “I will refuse him nothing!” and “If God gives himself fully to us, should we answer with just a fraction of ourselves?” Does this seem like a reasonable attitude for a person to have? What keeps you from dropping everything in order to do God’s service? How does this relate to Romans 12:1?
- What sort of things have you done that might be considered sacrifices for God’s purposes? When you do something like that, does it seem like everything goes smoothly? When you’re sacrificing your own desires for God’s work, do you think it’s fair that He doesn’t always make everything go smoothly in the process?
- Have someone read Matthew 5:14-16. Are you the light of the world? What kind of dark places do you shine in?
Are there any specific prayer requests?
Prayer Prompt: Father, please show us what you would have us do, grant us the willingness to follow that path, and give us the ability to carry out your purposes. |
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This week's scripture references:
- Galatians 6:9
- 1 Peter 3:15
- 1 John 2:20
Questions for today:
- What was the last movie you watched that was based on a true story? Have you ever seen a movie that started by saying it was based on a big lie?
- Before today’s service, what did you know about CS Lewis? Have you read any of his books? Have you seen the Narnia movies? What did you think of them?
- CS Lewis called himself “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” Do you know people who have experienced a reluctant conversion to Christianity? What caused the reluctance? What finally pushed them over the edge?
- One of Lewis’ primary premises is that nature could not create a being with a longing that nature itself could not fulfill. What do you suppose he meant by that? How does that lead one to belief in God?
- Do you think we are currently living in a time of significant intellectual skepticism and relativism? In general, is it fashionable for intelligent people to believe in God?
- On the other hand, I’ve heard some Christians say “If I knew, I wouldn’t have to believe.” Do you know of Christians who tend to downplay an intellectual approach to God, faith, and scripture? Does Christianity require people to check their minds at the door?
- Lewis took issue with the idea that Christ was a great moral teacher, but that the idea that He was God is a myth that grew up over time. One of his main points on that topic is that if someone claims to be God and is not, that automatically disqualifies that person from being a great moral teacher. Did Jesus really claim to be God? Even if He did, is Lewis’ argument valid?
- Piet explained “holy discontent” in terms of Popeye’s, “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!” What do you have a holy discontent about? If you eat your spinach, what do you think you could do about it?
- People who knew Lewis when he was in his 20’s, at the height of his atheism, would never have suspected that he’d turn out to be one of the most celebrated Christian apologists of his time. Do you know people who seem quite certain never to turn to Christ? Is there anything you can do to help guide them in the right path?
- Lewis’ books are quite easy to read, and provide great help in truly understanding the Christian faith and why people through history have been willing to mold their lives around it. His writing is very helpful in fulfilling the admonition in 1 Peter 3:15 that we “always be prepared to give an answer … for the reason for the hope that you have.” Have you read Mere Christianity, or any of his other books? If not, would you be willing to give it a shot?
Are there any specific prayer requests?
Prayer Prompt: Father, please help us to pursue the passions that you’ve instilled in us through your Holy Spirit, and guide us in our pursuit of those passions that we might fulfill your purposes. |
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This week's scripture references:
- Romans 1:20
- 2 Corinthians 6:17
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
- John 18:36
- Genesis 1:28
- Mark 12:15-17
- 1 Timothy 2:2-4
Questions for today:
- When Piet was filling out the application for US citizenship, he had to answer this question: “Detail every time you’ve broken the law since you’ve been in this country, whether or not you got caught.” How would you answer that question?
- Does Woodcrest, both in general and in this series in particular, seem to be promoting a particular candidate or political stance?
- How should my faith inform my political decisions? How can we think creatively and Biblically about political issues?
- What kinds of things would you say to pre-voting age children about how to make wise choices in political matters? How about to an adult who has recently become Christian, and is asking you for advice about how to think in Christian ways about the political process?
- It seems that in times of war or dangerous unrest, people turn to the church for assurances and some measure of security. On the other hand, if people are constantly struggling to survive they have no margin to give to worship. How can good government help to provide the appropriate balance here?
- I’ve heard some people say that 21st-century Americans are living in a time of unprecedented prosperity, while others complain that this is the first generation of people who will be doing worse than our parents. How do you feel about the letter Piet read on this topic towards the end of the service?
- Piet mentioned three things we should be doing as Christians regarding the political process: Pray for our leaders, vote responsibly, and lead with integrity. How are you doing along those lines? How can you help those who look to you for guidance learn to handle those responsibilities well?
Are there any specific prayer requests?
Prayer Prompt: Father, please give us wisdom and guidance to make responsible decisions in political matters, and help us know what choices will best serve your will in these areas.
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This week's scripture references:
- Revelation 19:6-8
- Proverbs 27:17
- Hebrews 10:25
- 1 Corinthians 9:22
Questions for today:
- Can pool noodles really sharpen each other?
- How is the construction in the main auditorium affecting you? Do you like the new stage layout? Have you tried any of the video venues at the main Columbia campus? What do you think?
- Before you started coming to church on a regular basis, what were some of your preconceived notions of what it mean to be Christian? What does being Christian mean to you now? How well do those two ideas match up?
- Do you think that the Christians of today are representative of what Jesus had in mind?
- Should we just scrap the church? Richard Dawkins claims that the church, overall, has done more harm than good, and that society would be better off without it. How would you respond to that concept?
- Do you have any personal experience with the state of the Church in Europe? If so, does it seem that European society is overall in better shape now that Christianity is in decline?
- The original group calling themselves Woodcrest Chapel set the goal to reach 10% of the unchurched in mid-Missouri. Do you think this is a reasonable goal? Are we on track towards fulfilling that purpose?
- What was your first experience with “contemporary” church?
- Does the Sunday service commonly bring up issues that seem hard to deal with? Do you think that tends to keep some people away?
- Does it make sense to have Sunday as a service for newcomers rather than communion for believers? See Hebrews 10:25 on this topic.
- The idea of “contemporary” church has come under a lot of criticism from traditional Christian leaders and theologians. What are some of their complaints? Do you think those complaints are valid concerning Woodcrest? In the end, is it worth it?
- Did Piet cover enough Bible verses in this week’s service?
- Do you have close friends outside the church? From their perspective, do you suppose that when they observe your life that Christianity appears attractive to them?
Are there any specific prayer requests?
Prayer Prompt: Father, we thank you for giving us your church. Please grant us the wisdom and strength to treat it well and help it to grow in accordance with your wishes.
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Scripture References:
• Mark 1:32- 38
• 2 Timothy 2:3
This week's discussion questions:
1. Have you noticed the CNN effect in your life? In the lives of those around you? Do you think it's different between Christians and the rest of the world?
2. Can you think of any examples of God commanding us to be compassionate in the Old Testament? How about the New Testament?
3. What kind of troubles do you personally notice in the world? In the nation? In the local community? In the congregation at Woodcrest? Do you think enough is being done about these things?
4. Do you have compassion fatigue? What is the result of that in your life?
5. Have someone read Mark 1:32 - 39. What does this say about how Jesus handled overwhelming needs? How can we apply these ideas to our lives?
6. Rod mentioned that having compassion on the less fortunate meant getting inconveniently involved. Do you have any examples from your own life in which you've been inconvenienced by other people's needs? How about times that you've avoided someone because you didn't want to get "sucked in" to their problems?
7. How do you know when to stop? If the need never seems to end, when do you call it a day?
8. It seems that it's necessary to take care of ourselves in order to have enough energy to help others. How do you find an appropriate balance?
9. What needs show up in the various levels of the concentric circles in your life? What kind of fundraising letter just get automatically dumped for you?
Are there any specific prayer requests?
Prayer Prompt: Father, please help us to see the world and its people through your eyes, and give us the strength to do the work of helping others that you would have us do. |
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