- Read Mark 13:24-37.
- Would you like to know the exact date of your death? Why or why not?
- Why do you think the Father has kept the day and the hour secret?
- To whom is this warning addressed in v. 37? How is this warning equally relevant to all generations of Christians?
- What is the most exciting thing about the Second Coming to you? The most distressing? Why?
- "Be on guard!" "Be alert!" "Watch!" Specifically, how can you do this?
- Pray for one another.....
Monday, November 28, 2011
Week of November 27, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Pentecost 22 - Small Group Questions
If you were unable to be with us on Sunday, you can listen to this sermon here.
Mt 25:14-30
1. What was your best subject or favorite activity in school?
2. How does it affect your understanding of this parable to know that Jesus told it as he was speaking of faithful discipleship while waiting for his return?
3. Can you think of a time when you found yourself under judgment (like the third slave) for doing what you thought was the safe and prudent thing to do?
4. In what ways are you living as if God is harsh, looking for an opportunity to 'smite' you? How does this inhibit you from stepping into some adventures on his behalf? How does it keep you from living into who you were created to be?
5. Think of an instance where you trusted God and were willing to step into something scary based on that trust. How did that turn out for you? What did you learn about yourself and your abilities? How did you grow?
6. It really is our fear - of judgment, of failure, of provision - that leads us to live small and tight-fisted lives. How has or is this fear true for you? How might you diffuse this fear and grow in your trust in God?
7. How are you 'investing' in God's world?
8. Mtr. Mary said that our faith life is to be an adventure. How would you describe your faith life? Predictable, comfortable, variable, an emergency lifeline? Could you use 'adventure' to describe your faith life?
9. If the master returned today, how do you think he would receive your 'accounting?'
Mt 25:14-30
1. What was your best subject or favorite activity in school?
2. How does it affect your understanding of this parable to know that Jesus told it as he was speaking of faithful discipleship while waiting for his return?
3. Can you think of a time when you found yourself under judgment (like the third slave) for doing what you thought was the safe and prudent thing to do?
4. In what ways are you living as if God is harsh, looking for an opportunity to 'smite' you? How does this inhibit you from stepping into some adventures on his behalf? How does it keep you from living into who you were created to be?
5. Think of an instance where you trusted God and were willing to step into something scary based on that trust. How did that turn out for you? What did you learn about yourself and your abilities? How did you grow?
6. It really is our fear - of judgment, of failure, of provision - that leads us to live small and tight-fisted lives. How has or is this fear true for you? How might you diffuse this fear and grow in your trust in God?
7. How are you 'investing' in God's world?
8. Mtr. Mary said that our faith life is to be an adventure. How would you describe your faith life? Predictable, comfortable, variable, an emergency lifeline? Could you use 'adventure' to describe your faith life?
9. If the master returned today, how do you think he would receive your 'accounting?'
Monday, November 7, 2011
All Saints - Small Group Questions
Josh 24:1-3a, 14-25
1. As a child, what stories did your mom or dad tell you over and over about when they were growing up? How much do you know about your family history?
2. Joshua recounts the history of God's people, from Abraham to this day. Then he calls on them to renew and affirm their commitment to be God's people. Why do you think Joshua wanted them to do this? What power is there in a people intentionally recommitting themselves? How does or could this look in our own congregation?
3. Joshua reminds the people of God's faithfulness throughout the journey. Can you speak to the ways that God has shown his faithfulness to you?
4. Joshua tells the people that there are other gods to serve, but they must make a choice. Do you believe you've dealt directly with the charge to serve no god but God? Or are you living a life that tries to balance service to various gods? What other 'gods' are you tempted to serve?
5. What has helped you to be faithful to serving God? How do you live into your faithfulness? What 'signs of commitment' in your life are an evident witness to others?
6. Joshua made this speech just before he died. If you knew it would be your last opportunity to speak to our congregation, what would you want to say?
7. Fr. Mike spoke to the change that St. Andrew's is undergoing. We are no longer a church plant in need of outside support; we are a self-sufficient parish where the people will chart the course. Share with one another what this means to you? What is your fear and excitement?
1. As a child, what stories did your mom or dad tell you over and over about when they were growing up? How much do you know about your family history?
2. Joshua recounts the history of God's people, from Abraham to this day. Then he calls on them to renew and affirm their commitment to be God's people. Why do you think Joshua wanted them to do this? What power is there in a people intentionally recommitting themselves? How does or could this look in our own congregation?
3. Joshua reminds the people of God's faithfulness throughout the journey. Can you speak to the ways that God has shown his faithfulness to you?
4. Joshua tells the people that there are other gods to serve, but they must make a choice. Do you believe you've dealt directly with the charge to serve no god but God? Or are you living a life that tries to balance service to various gods? What other 'gods' are you tempted to serve?
5. What has helped you to be faithful to serving God? How do you live into your faithfulness? What 'signs of commitment' in your life are an evident witness to others?
6. Joshua made this speech just before he died. If you knew it would be your last opportunity to speak to our congregation, what would you want to say?
7. Fr. Mike spoke to the change that St. Andrew's is undergoing. We are no longer a church plant in need of outside support; we are a self-sufficient parish where the people will chart the course. Share with one another what this means to you? What is your fear and excitement?
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