Term 1

Small Group Study Questions – Easter Sunday

1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important? (c/f 1Cor.15:14-17)

2. How would you respond to someone who said, “I accept the fact of an historical Jesus - even that he was crucified - but I can’t believe in the resurrection?”

3. Respond to the statement: The resurrection shows us that good can come from bad. It shows us that when God seems silent He is often doing His greatest work.

4. How seriously does God take sin? (“very” is not a good answer!!)

5. Discuss Romans 4:25 which says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Date: April 4, 2004
Passage: Luke 19:28-44
Message: Who is This?
Theme: Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday has always had a triumphant ring about it. The Church through the centuries has celebrated it. A close look shows that many things were very different to the way they looked on the surface.

1. Religion in general has always been associated with pomp and ceremony and fanfare. Give examples.

2. Read Luke 19:37-38 People in Jerusalem were looking for Jesus to be all different things [Miracle, Ritual, Military, Popular Jesus!] What are people looking for Jesus to be today? Explain.

3. “There is more to following Jesus than enthusiasm.” Is the Church today preoccupied with exciting the saints or equipping the saints? Discuss.

Small Group Study Questions

Sermon Date: 28 March 2004
Series: People Just Like Us
Topic: The Consequences of Trusting God
Bible Passage: Genesis 22:1-19
Author: Bill Hall

1. If we’re serious about trusting God it will always result in consequences. Discuss this from your own experience

2. Discuss the statement: I think God’s command to Abraham was totally unreasonable. Surely a loving God wouldn’t expect someone to do that!”

3. What do you think “unwavering faith” means?

4. How does one reconcile verse 8 with verse 10 in Genesis 22?

5. Obedience and faith always go hand in hand. Talk about this together and see if you can prove this as a group!

Message – Mal Garvin – UPBC Feb.15, 2004

Mal addressed the fundamental need we all have to seek answers to questions like –
Who am I? Why am I here? What am I worth?

1. Read John 13:1-17
How did Jesus answer those questions in this passage?
What did his actions reveal about his identity?

2. Discuss the following quotes-

* It’s amazing what people will put up with if there is purpose in the pain.

* Only 5-15% of young Australian girls feel good about themselves.

* Nobody wants to change the world these days, but they all want to be famous.

* I haven’t found anyone who is happy in their middle age who hasn’t found an answer to the fundamental question – Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?

The Navigators have an excellent website with lots of articles about living the Christian life. In particular I recommend Discipleship Journal and it's associated e-mail newsletter. The magazine has the DJ+ section specifically for small groups and the monthly newsletter contains tips and hints for small groups as well. Also check out the new BibleStudyZone newsletter for small group and bible study ideas.

Register your e-mail address to receive these two monthly newsletters (amongst others) at www.navpress.com.