CELL AGENDAS

To view 2003 agendas click here

To view 2002 agendas click here

(This page is being updated to include 2004 agendas)

 

 

September 24^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

This week we conclude our series on the Beatitudes with a review of what we've seen and some thoughts about how we may spur one another to be more like Jesus.

 

Word

 

1. Think back about how you used to be before you were a christian. What would your friends from back then say is the biggest change in your life since you were saved?

2. Read the Beatitudes through again- Matthew 5:1-12. Which one has encouraged you or “blessed” you the most? Why?

3. Which of these beatitudes is the most challenging to you right now?

4. In general, how would the world be a better place if people lived by these beatitudes? How would the church be better if christians lived by them? What sorts of things would change?

5. Do you think these things can be changed by better government, education, preaching or evangelism?

6. How can this group help you to live God's way?

 

 

 

Witness

 

Effective witnessing takes place in both words and deeds. Pray that God would give you the ability to live effectively for Him.

 

 

 

September 10^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when you were persecuted, insulted or lost friends because you stood up for being a Christian?

2. Read Matthew 5:10-12. Why does Jesus say it's good to be persecuted?

3. What is promised to people who are persecuted?

4. What forms does persecution take in Australia today?

5. What would you say would be the main places in the world where people are really persecuted for their faith?

6. Is there something we can do to help people in other places?

 

 

Witness

 

Next Friday we will be going to COC for a concert with Trina & Stacey at 7 pm. It might be worth inviting your friends to come.

 

 

September 3^rd 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. As a child, did you fight with your brothers and sisters? Was there a particularly memorable fight?

2. How do you handle conflicts and disagreements? Would you rather

(a) run away and hide (b) fight it out c) talk out the issues (d) out-talk the opposition.

3. Read Matthew 5:9. What does it mean to be a peace-maker?

4. What are some situations in real life where you have to work at being a peace-maker?

5. What are some practical ways of helping to make peace with other people, or helping others to make peace with one another? What are some useful tips?

6. Why are peace-makers to be called children of God? How does this differ from the Muslin view that children of God are fighters?

7. What are some situations where you need God's help to be a peace maker?

 

 

Witness

 

Standing in the gap for conflicting people is another form of outreach which may point others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As a group, think about people in our community who need to know the peace of God. Pray about how to witness to these people.

August 20th2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a person who seems to be morally pure, totally “squeaky clean”?

2. Read Matthew 5:8. What does it mean to be pure in heart?

3. Read James 3:13-18. What sort of things does James say stop us from having a pure heart?

4. Why does Jesus say the pure in heart will see God?

5. Is it better to try to change from the outside in (obedience to outside laws) or from the inside out (a change of heart)?

6. What processes are involved in giving us a pure heart? How does God do this in us?

 

 

Witness

 

Next week is down as an outreach night. What will your group be doing?

 

August 13^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when you did something wrong, but got let off without punishment? How did you feel?

2. Read Matthew 5:7. What does it mean to be merciful?

3. Do you get more annoyed by the little day to day things that happen or by the big things that happen less often? Is it easier to forgive the occasional little thing or the daily annoyances? Why?

4. When Jesus says “they will be shown mercy” what is he talking about?

5. Do you think our willingness to forgive others is a condition for god to forgive us? Why?

6. Who are the people who need your mercy now?

 

 

Witness

 

If we have received God's mercy we have a responsibility to show mercy to others around us. That means we have to live out as well as tell out the Good News that God forgives sinners.

 

 

 

 

August 6^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing was costly for you? Why did you do it? How did you feel at the time?

2. Read Matthew 5:6. What do you think it means to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”?

3. Why does Jesus promise that they will be filled?

4. The word righteousness can have three different meanings:

a) be right with God.

b) to be holy

c) justice for everyone

 

How does God meet our hunger for each of these aspects of righteousness? Does He do it now, in heaven or on earth after Jesus returns? Is it realistic to seek God's righteousness in this life?

 

5. What are some practical ways you might show a hunger for righteousness in the next couple of weeks?

 

 

Witness

 

Witnessing is ultimately about seeking God's righteousness on behalf of another person-- we want them to be right with God. Who are the people for whom you “hunger and thirst” for this to happen in their life?

 

July 23^rd 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes.

 

Word

 

1. Just think for a moment of those attitudes which Jesus describes as “blessed”. Are your attitudes more like Jesus' or like the world's? How can we change our attitudes?

2. Read Matthew 5:5. What is confronting about this statement?

3. What does it mean to be “meek” or “humble”?

4. In real life, is it the humble people who win, or somebody else (on average)?

5. What is Jesus promising here? Is this a promise that “nice guys win in the end” or is Jesus looking forward to something different?

6. How does this beatitude help you in your walk with God?

 

 

 

Witness

 

Genuine evangelism is always done with an attitude of humility rather than self-righteousness. One definition of evangelism is that it is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Does your witness carry that flavour of meekness?

 

July 16^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

We are continuing our series on the Beatitudes. Last week we looked at the idea of being “poor in spirit”. This week we think about what it means to mourn.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when you lost someone close to you? What helped you through your grieving time?

2. Read Matthew 5:4. Who is Jesus talking about here? What are the people mourning over?

3. Who is it that comforts these people?

4. In your own life how have you found God's help in difficult times?

5. Read Matthew 9:14,15. (NB The NIV correctly translates v.15 “how can the guests of the bridegroom mourn...? while the CEV relates this to fasting which was the question asked by the Pharisees). For people who walk with Jesus, is it ever appropriate to mourn or should we always put on a happy face, regardless?

6. Think honestly about your group. Is this a place where those who mourn might find the Comforter?

 

 

Witness

All around us there are people who are mourning. Psychologists talk of an epidemic of depression. People in your life need to find Jesus, the one who will restore joy to those who mourn. Think seriously about the people you know who need to know Jesus, and see if ythere are opportunities to invite them to your group.

 

July 9^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

Last time we had an overview of the Beatitudes, or Blessings, which Jesus gave at the commencement of the Sermon on the Mount. This week we start looking at these sayings in more depth.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when you had very little in the way of money? How did it feel? How did you get by?

2. Read Matthew 5:3. What do you think Jesus meant by being “poor in spirit”?

3. The Greek word for “poor” means “having absolutely nothing.” Why is someone who is “poor in spirit” in this sense called blessed?

4. Why is the kingdom of heaven promised to these people?

5. Can you think of any biblical people who might illustrate this?

6. In what ways can christians be tempted to become spiritually proud?

7. What are some simple methods, tools or reminders that we might be able to use to maintain this attitude of being “poor in spirit”?

 

 

Witness

Who are the people you know who might be “poor in spirit” but who don't know Jesus yet? How might you encourage them to become a part of your group?

 

June 25^th 2004

 

The Be-attitudes

 

This week we commence a series of studies on the Beatitudes, a series of blessings which Jesus pronounced on people who normally seem cursed rather than blessed, at least in the value systems of the world.

 

In preparing for this study, I would encourage you to read right through Matthew chapters 5 to 8, slowly and prayerfully. Even though we will only be looking at Matthew 5:1-11, it's good to get the whole context of the passage and to ask God to show you areas of your life which Jesus might want to touch through this time. As leaders we need to be constantly growing in godliness.

 

Word

 

1. Can you think of a time when you were completely lost and couldn't find your way? (i.e. literally not spiritually!)

2. What do you know about the passage commonly called “The Sermon on the Mount”? What part of this teaching of Jesus do you find easy to accept?

3. What parts of the sermon do you find totally impractical?

4. Read Matthew 5:1-12. Over the next few months we are going to look at the Beatitudes in some detail. What strikes you about these qualities which Jesus calls “blessed”?

5. What areas do you need help to improve in?

6. Pray for one another to take on the true spirit of the Beatitudes.

 

Witness

Next week there will be an outreach night featuring the musical “Element” at the High School. Pray for wisdom about who to bring.

June 18^th 2004

 

The Father's Heart

 

In this series we have looked at the roles of fathers, at our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father. We now introduce a topic that some might find difficult, the idea of spiritual fathers.

 

Word

1. What would be the best time you ever had with your family? What made it special?

2. Churches often refer to themselves as “family”. What does this mean?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21. What does v. 15 mean by “you have many teachers (or guardians) but do not have many fathers”?

4. Who are the fathers in the church?

5. In what way did Paul become a father to the church in Corinth?

6. What is it that natural fathers do for their children? How is this a good analogy for pastors and apostles in the church?

7. At the heart of fathering is the idea of hearts united in love. A father loves his children and the children love their father. How is this different to the normal understanding about roles of ministry in the church?

8. How does this teaching line up with Matthew 23:8-12 where Jesus specifically tells us to call no man “Father”? Is this a contradiction or is Jesus really saying something very different?

 

Witness

Remember to pray regularly for people to come to know Jesus. Who are people who you could invite to be a part of your group?

 

 

June 4^th 2004

 

The Father's Heart

 

We are resuming our study on “The Father's Heart.” Over the last couple of studies we have seen that God's nature is that of a loving, nurturing Father who wants the best for His children.

 

Today we look at the role of our natural fathers in our growth and development.

 

Word

1. When you were younger, did you have someone in your life whom you really looked up to? What made the person special in your eyes?

2. From memory, what is the fifth commandment? (See Exodus 20:12 to refresh memories.) What does it mean to honour your father and mother?

3. Why does God place a high value on honouring our parents?

4. What is promised if we obey this commandment?

5. Read Ephesians 6:1-4. As christians, are we still expected to obey this commandment? Why or why not?

6. What do you think is meant by Ephesians 6:4? In what ways can fathers exasperate their children?

7. The NIV version of 6:1 says “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Is this hinting at something additional to earthly parents, do you think? Who might be your “parents in the Lord”?

 

Witness

Remember to pray regularly for people to come to know Jesus. Who are people who you could invite to be a part of your group?

May 7^th 2004

 

The Father's Heart

 

As we continue to look at the issue of fatherhood and its outworkings in the church and our life, this week we zoom in on our heavenly Father.

 

Word

 

1. In your childhood, what is one of the happiest memories you have of interaction with your father? What made it special?

2. Read Matthew 6:5-15. Jesus was the first person to refer to God as “Father” (or perhaps more accurately “Dad”, the real meaning of the Aramaic word Abba). What are the implications of calling God our Father?

3. Why is God “Father” and not “Mother”? What are the differences in the relationships?

4. Calling God Father changes the way we think about prayer- it's about relationship not about religious ritual. What does this Scripture passage draw out about the nature of praying to our Father?

5. In what ways does this teaching affect the way you think about your relationship with God?

 

Witness

How is your group going in reaching the lost? Make a list of people your group can bless through daily prayer and covenant to pray daily for them.

 

 

 

April 23^rd 2004

 

The Father's Heart

 

Over the last year or so, the people from Rockhampton have been challenging us to rethink our attitudes towards relationships in the church. At the heart of their understanding of the apostolic ministry is the concept of fathering and sonship. We are going to look at this idea in some depth over the next few weeks.

 

Word

 

6. When you were 11 years old, what was your favourite part of your house?

7. At the same age, how would you describe your relationship with your father?

8. Read Luke 15:11-31. This story is often called “The Prodigal Son” but is better called “The Loving Father.” Because it is so familiar, it might help to read it in a different translation, if you have one. Read the story slowly.

9. Which character in this story do you most identify with? Why?

10. The younger son is described in the most shocking, abhorrent way imaginable in that society. Why is his behaviour so bad?

11. Do you think that the description of the father is realistic?

12. Which of the two sons is a “better” son to the father?

13. We live in a very different society to the one in Jesus' time. What expectations are there on sons and daughters towards their parents? Why do we find it hard to live up to these expectations?

14. The story is really about our relationship with our heavenly Father. In what ways does your relationship with your natural father colour your relationship with your heavenly Father?

 

Witness

 

How is your group going in reaching the lost? Make a list of people your group can bless through daily prayer and covenant to pray daily for them.

April 2nd 2004

The Cross

Introduction

Today we finish our series on the cross with the most unpopular part- our own cross.

Word

1.Have you had a “brush with death”? How did it feel? How do you feel now when you recall this incident?
2.Read Matthew 10:37-39; Matthew 16:21-25; Luke 14:27-30.
3.What do you make of the fact that it appears that Jesus said at least three times that we have to take up our cross to follow him?
4.What does it mean to do this?
5.How do you think we can die to ourselves?
6.What would someone look like who actually put this principle into practice?
7.What are some things you need to die to in order to follow Jesus?

Witness

How does the idea of dying to yourself fit into the process of evangelism?

March 26th 2004

The Cross

Introduction

The last few weeks we have been thinking about the meaning of the cross of Jesus for us. Today we look at the Cross as both problem and solution.

Word

1.What sort of puzzles do you find most enjoyable? Which are most frustrating?
2.Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. In what ways is the message of the cross foolishness?
3.Why do you think most people don't want to hear about the message of salvation?
4.In v. 22 Paul says that Jews look for signs and Greeks look for wisdom. What do you think he might have said to 21st Century Aussies? What would the cross represent to them?
5.How does God use the foolish things to confound the wise, the weak things to shame the strong? Can you think of examples in your own life?
6.Think of your close friends. How do they react to the message of salvation through the cross? What needs to change in their thinking.

Witness
Spend some time praying for a greater revelation in your heart about the love of God for all people. Then pray for the people you know who haven't yet decided to follow Jesus.

March 12th 2004

The Cross

Introduction

The last few weeks we have been thinking about the meaning of the cross of Jesus for us. Today we look at the Cross as being like a bridge which draws us back to God.

Word

1.What is the closest you have come to death? How did you feel?
2.Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. What does Paul mean when he says “one died for all and therefore all died.”? In what ways did Jesus die for everyone?
3.What should be the result of realising that Jesus dies for you?
4.What does it mean to be “in Christ” (v. 17)? In what ways are you a “new creation”?
5.In vs 18-20  Paul talks about God reconciling the world to Himself. What does reconciliation mean? What is Paul trying to tell us here?
6.In what ways does the cross represent a coming together of God and people?

Witness

Spend some time praying for a greater revelation in your heart about the love of God for all people. Then pray for the people you know who haven't yet decided to follow Jesus.

February 27^th 2004

 

The Cross (Part 2)

 

Introduction

 

Last week we focussed on the physical and historical reality of Jesus' death on the cross. This week we look at the spiritual reality of the cross and what it means for us.

 

Word

 

1. What was the most spectacular or exciting public event- parade, demonstration, street-theatre- that you ever saw?

2. What is something from last week's cell group which stuck with you during the week?

3. Read Colossians 2:9-15. Express verses 9 and 10 in your own words. What are the implications of “the fullness of the Deity” dying on the Cross?

4. What does it mean when it says that when you were baptised you were buried with Christ? (v.12). Do you think that was your experience when you were baptised?

5. When Jesus was nailed to the cross the old Law was nailed there with Him. What does this mean for those who trust in the Cross?

6. In v.15 Paul uses the language of a military victory parade in which the defeated enemies were paraded down the streets of Rome to be mocked by the conquerors. Who has Jesus defeated on the cross, according to this verse?

7. How did God take such a seemingly disastrous event and turn it into a great victory? Spend some time praising God for the cross of Jesus.

8. Another way of approaching this topic is to read the passage, explain the meaning of v.15 and then get the group to draw, paint or whatever a depiction of the cross as a victory procession. This could be an individual or whole group activity.

 

Witness

Spend some time praying for a greater revelation in your heart about the love of God for all people. Then pray for the people you know who haven't yet decided to follow Jesus.

 

February 20^th 2004

 

The Cross

 

Introduction

 

At the heart of everything Christians believe and do is the brutal slaying of God. Mel Gibson, at the end of his move “The Passion of the Christ” says, “Approximately 250,000 Jews were crucified during the rule of the Romans- but only 1 of them came back to life.”

 

While crucifixion was an extremely cruel punishment, it is the person who was crucified that makes Jesus' death extraordinary. In the time of Jesus' suffering all of the hatred of humanity towards God was pounded into one body.

 

For the Word section you may choose to watch the crucifixion scene from the “Jesus” video.

 

Word

 

9. What is the most physically painful event you have ever experienced? Were there things about the experience that helped you cope or things which made it even worse?

10. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? What made you feel that way? Did He really abandon you?

11. Read Mark 15. What stands out to you about the sufferings of Jesus?

12. In the account of Jesus' death various groups of people are described as rejecting or insulting Jesus in some way. List these groups and add any others you can think of from the other gospels. Are there any groups of people that stood firm with Jesus. What does this rejection say to you?

13. Why did Jesus call out “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?”

14. What was there about Jesus' death that impressed the centurion to make him confess that Jesus really was the Son of God? (v. 39)

15. What does all this tell you about God's love for you?

 

Witness

Spend some time praying for a greater revelation in your heart about the love of God for all people. Then pray for the people you know who haven't yet decided to follow Jesus.