Term 3

Discussion Questions: Romans 12.1,2.

1. In verse 1 the passage makes a strong stress on worship being something we ‘do with our bodies. That is to say, Paul means that whatever we are in this bodily life, is to be worship. Do you think we have a real problem with this notion and can you think of ways in which we neglect this truth in our sort of Christianity?

2. The message therefore identifies three ways in which the unity of worship is compromised. By ‘dichotomizing’, or partitioning our thinking about the sacred part of life out from the normal ‘secular’ life and the two spin off consequences: (i) ‘disqualification’ where a person thinks they have nothing to offer unless they are in ‘full time ministry’, and (ii) ‘dislocation’ where they move from normal life into missionary work or ‘ministry’ for which they are not equipped or called by God. Without naming names can you think of lives that have sadly made either of these mistakes? What are the consequences of this for the church and the presence/witness of the Kingdom in the real world?

Date: August 8, 2004
Passage: John 15:1-17
Message: Many But One
Annual Celebration Service

There is an old Greek saying
"The critical moment comes quickly and soon is gone."
One of life’s most glorious and most difficult challenges is to recognise the moment and respond to them.

1. Share a critical moment in your life and how you responded to it.

2. Jesus knew that this moment between the Upper Room and Gethsemane was a critical moment for the disciples. This is a ‘critical moment’ for the Church today. Why / why not?

3. Read John 15:1-17

# ‘Remain / abide / dwell” is the key word in this passage. Translate how this works out in our everyday lives.

DATE: 010804
SERIES:
TITLE: Making a Difference in the Church and the World
BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 4:7-11
AUTHOR: Bill Hall

Small Groups Study Questions

“We live in a secularised, materialistic and hedonistic society which for the most part couldn’t give two-hoots about the church. The question is, how can we - you and I - make a difference? How can we impact our world with the life changing message of Jesus?”

1. The instructions given to the church by the Apostle Peter in verses 7-11, appear to be motivated by the phrase “The end of all things is near”. What do you think he meant and why should this be a motivation?