Recent Cell Agendas
November 6, 2002
This week: “The Good News”
Word
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How has God been with you this week?
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Apart from the Gospel, what is the best news you ever heard? How did it make you feel?
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Read Acts 10:27-48. In v. 36, the NIV describes the message as “the good news of peace.” Why is the gospel “good news”?
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Peter recounts Jesus' life and death in 37-41. If you were sharing with a friend, what would you say about Jesus' life, death and resurrection?
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What is important about the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead?
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Why is v.42 “bad news”? Do you think people need to hear bad news about God before they can appreciate good news?
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How would you explain to someone what it means to “have faith in Jesus” (v. 43)
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It's one thing to share the good news in Caesarea in AD 40, but quite another thing in Narrabri in 2002. If Peter was talking to Bill the plumber or Fred the farmer, do you think he'd take the same approach, or would he talk about different things?
Vision
Spend some time praying for your friends tonight.
October 25, 2002
Sometimes people can make the most interesting subject seem deadly boring. Others have the knack of being able to make what seems boring to be alive, vital and exciting. This week we are looking at the question of how we can communicate the Good News in an interesting way.
This week: “Creative Communication”
Word
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Who was the most boring teacher you ever had at school? Who was the most interesting? What made the difference?
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Psychologists tell us that we are all motivated by different things. For example, some people think in terms of pictures, some people have to be able to touch things, others think logically and others have to be moving. Some people learn best in group activities, others alone. What motivates you to learn something new?
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Jesus used pictures and stories to communicate the gospel. What pictures or objects can you think of which he used to describe the Kingdom of God? What stories did He tell? (Brainstorm... you should come up with at least 20)
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Not all of the pictures or stories which Jesus used make sense in our world. What objects might you use to describe what following Jesus is like? Don't just say “a toaster”- you need to say why the kingdom of God is like a toaster.
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What stories or events that people are familiar with today could you use to show people what God is like?
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Imagine your group has an unlimited budget to produce a 30 second TV commercial to persuade people to become Christians. What should be in the commercial? How would you film it?
Vision
Spend some time praying for your friends tonight.
October 18, 2002
We are continuing to think about what it means to share the Good News with our friends. Sometimes we can wrongly assume that people are not interested in the Good News. We make judgments based on superficial factors such as their behaviour instead of asking why they do those things.
This week: “Getting People Interested”
Word
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What kind off people make you fell like they would never be interested in spiritual issues?
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Read John 4:4-30. The Samaritan woman comes at midday to draw water. Why would she come at the hottest time of the day? (vs. 6-7)
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What reasons would have made Jesus think this woman would not want to know about the Good News?
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Why does Jesus start by asking her for a favour? Do you think it's sometimes good to let unbelievers meet our needs instead of us doing the giving?
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How does Jesus use the object of water to move the conversation deeper? What are some examples of everyday objects,ideas, events etc. that we can use to make people think about God?
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How does the woman's “thirst” show itself in her immoral past? How do the non-christians you know show their thirst for spiritual truth? How can you show them the way the gospel meets their needs without being judgmental?
Vision
Spend some time praying for your friends tonight.
October 11, 2002
This week: “Seeking The Lost”
Word
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Before you came to faith in Jesus, how would you describe your attitude to God?
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Read Luke 19:1-10. What was Zacchaeus like before he met Jesus?
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Why was Zacchaeus so eager to see Jesus?
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What did people think about tax collectors generally? How do you think the crowd felt when Jesus went to Zacchaeus' place? Why did Jesus do this?
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What did Zacchaeus' do that showed that he had really repented?
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People don't wear signs saying, “I'm desperate for God.” What sorts of things might they do or say which might say they are ready to hear about Jesus?
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Zacchaeus had been seeking Jesus, but verse 10 suggests that Jesus had come looking for Zacchaeus. How can it help to know that the Lord is actively seeking your friends?
Vision
Spend some time praying for your friends tonight.
October 4, 2002
Reluctant Evangelists”
Word
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What difference has knowing Jesus made to your life in the last month? Have their been specific instances where you know God has made a difference?
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What are some of the reasons why you don't evangelise more of the people around you?
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Read Luke 5:1-11. Describe the scene in vs. 1-2 in as much detail as you can. Try to really enter into the picture. What are the sights, sounds, smells?
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What was Peter doing when Jesus made his request? How do you think he felt about Jesus interrupting him like this? Do you find that what you have to get done interrupts what God wants done, especially evangelism?
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Why is Peter reluctant to fulfill Jesus' second request (v. 4)? Have you ever experienced a situation in which God asked you to do something that seemed pointless or stupid?
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If you were Peter, how would you feel about being called to be a full-time evangelist?
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In what ways do you feel inadequate or unqualified for evangelism?
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In Matthew and Mark's versions of the story, Jesus tells Peter and Andrew: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Do you think that this explains the qualifications needed to be an evangelist? What does “following Jesus” mean for you tonight?
Vision
Most people feel reluctant to witness. But God can plant such a deep love in our hearts for Him and for our friends that we can't keep it to ourselves. Pray for one another for God to overcome your reluctance.
September 27, 2002
This week: “Why spread the Good News?” This is the start of a series on evangelism.
Word
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What sort of things do you talk to your friends about?
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What are some reasons that people have for sharing the gospel?
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Read Luke 15:1-2, 11-32. Why did Jesus tell this story?
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How would the people listening to this story react to the boy's job?
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What types of people do you find difficult to love?
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In this story, Jesus presses all the Pharisees' buttons about what is right and wrong. How would they have expected the father to respond?
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This story tells us that when a sinner repents God is so excited he throws a party. How does this line up with your understanding of God's attitude to you?
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Do you think that if we really appreciate God's love for us then we will want to reach others who have turned away from God? So what stops us?
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How do you think we can encourage ourselves and each other to appreciate God's love for us and for others?
Vision
Evangelism in its pure form is motivated by God's love for us and for our friends. Pray for the people you know, that God would give you a greater love for them.
- September 20, 2002
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- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 8 Tonight we conclude our series on the letter of James and it teaching about practical christian living.
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- Word
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- In what ways have you been especially aware of God helping you this week?
- If an anonymous donor gave you a million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it?
- Read James 5:1-19 Why is James so opposed to rich people? By living in Australia, we are among the top 1% of wealthy people who have ever lived. So how does this fact reflect on the passage?
- What do you think are the potential dangers of being rich?
- What does James tell us to be patient about? Why do we need to be patient for this?
- What should we do when we are sick? Have you ever experienced healing at the hand of God? What happened?
- Why do you think most christians ignore James' command about what to do when we are sick?
- What should we do when we sin? What should we do when other people sin? Are these things easy or hard to do?
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Out of this chapter, which part is most challenging to you?
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- Vision
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- Well we did the disco! Whoo hoo! It was an excellent night. Now we need to start thinking about our next outreach night. Evangelism should be a lifestyle not just a one-off event. Pray for specific people who do not yet know Jesus. Ask God to show you how to reach these people.
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- September 6, 2002
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- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 7 We are continuing to follow what the letter of James teaches us about the practicalities of walking with Jesus.
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- Word
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- In what ways have you been especially aware of the presence of God this week?
- Can you recall the first time when God seemed real to you?
- Out of the last 6 weeks of talking about the letter to James, what issues haver really challenged your way of living?
- Read James 4:11-17. What does James mean when he says that saying cruel things about others is condemning God's law?
- The NIV translates “say cruel things” as “slander” and “speak against.” Who are the types of people or the circumstances which lead you to speak against others?
- What is the point James is making in vs. 13-17? Is he saying we shouldn't plan for the future, or is he saying something else?
- Do you tend to run away with your plans without submitting them to God?
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From tonight's passage, what are some things you need to change in your life? Pray for one another to be able to deal with these issues.
- Vision
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Next Friday night is the Youth Disco, ably run by SCG. We will need all our groups to be present to help with the organisation and running of the night. Please pray for this event, and invite any young people you know who might be interested.
August 16, 2002
- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 6 We are continuing to follow what the letter of James teaches us about the practicalities of walking with Jesus.
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- Word
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- What has God been doing in your life this week?
- Read James 4:1-10. Who are some people that you really can't get on with? Why is this? Do you agree with James' explanation for conflict?
- Why do our prayers not get answered according to James? Are there other reasons for why our prayers go unanswered sometimes?
- Express vs. 7-8 in your own words.
- What does it mean to surrender to God? Are there things which you need to surrender to God?
- How do we resist the devil?
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Out of this section from James, what do you need to do differently to honour God?
- Vision
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- Continue to plan for your outreach event on August 30th. Pray for the people you plan to invite that God will open their hearts. Pray also about how your event will encourage people to move closer to God's Kingdom (i.e. Can you plan for something which will be a direct invitation for people to come to your group or to church- a testimony, prayer, Bible reading?)
- August 9, 2002
- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 5 We are continuing to follow what the letter of James teaches us about the practicalities of walking with Jesus.
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- Word
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- 1. Can you think of something you did one time that was "really dumb"?
- 2. Read James 3:13-18. What do you think the word "wise" means? Who would be somebody you think of as being wise?
- 3. How can we live wise lives according to James?
- 4. James warns us not to be jealous or selfish. How do jealousy and selfishness show up in our day to day life?
- 5. James lists 8 qualities that come from God's wisdom. What do these 8 qualities mean? How do they show up in everyday living?
- 6. What do you think verse 18 means?
- 7. How do you need God's help to be wise in the coming week?
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- Vision
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- We need to always uphold before each other the mission of our groups that is to draw new people into fellowship. Spend some time talking about how your group can be more intentional in this. Our next outreach night will be on August 30th so think about the people you are trying to reach and how you can be effective in this.
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- August 2, 2002
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- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 4 We are continuing to follow what the letter of James teaches us about the practicalities of walking with Jesus.
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- Word
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- 1.How have you experienced God's presence over the last couple of weeks?
- Read James 3:1-12. Why do you think God judges teachers more strictly than anyone else?
- Can you think of a time when an unwise word got you into trouble?
- What pictures does James use to describe how our tongue can have an influence far out of proportion to its size in our body? ?Why does it have this effect?
- Why is our tongue different from anything else in nature? (vs. 9-10)
- List the negative uses to which our tongue can be put. (Lies, slander, gossip, swearing, name-calling....).
- List the positive uses to which our tongue can be put. (Prayer, praising God, encouraging people, teaching, evangelism... )
- Of the things in the negative list, which ones do you personally struggle with the most? Which of the positive ones do you find easiest?
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Pray for each other for healing of the tongues!
- Vision
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We need to always uphold before each other the mission of our groups that is to draw new people into fellowship. Spend some time talking about how your group can be more intentional in this. Our next outreach night will be on August 30th so think about the people you are trying to reach and how you can be effective in this.
July 19, 2002
- Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 3 We are continuing to follow what the letter of James teaches us about the practicalities of walking with Jesus.
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- Word
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- 1.Can you think of a time when you were particularly short of money? How did it feel? How did you come though this time?
- 2.Read James 2:1-13. What sort of people make you feel uncomfortable to be around? What sort of people do you get on easily with?
- 3.At church, who do you tend to talk to most? Who do you talk to least?
- 4.How should the church treat rich people and poor people? Do you think that churches tend to favour rich people over poor people? Why might this be?
- What does James say about having favourites? Why do you think this is?
- How do you feel about the statement in v. 10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all.”? What would be some practical implications of this? Can you think of some words of Jesus which back this up?
- What is the “Law that sets us free?” What is the good news in this passage?
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What has really stood out to you from tonight's study? What things need to change in your life? Pray for one another.
- Vision
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Next week is another out reach night. Talk amongst the group about what your group will do for this night.
July 12, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 2
Word
What challenges have you faced in walking with God this week? Do you find that challenges come mainly from inside you (e.g. temptation, doubt) or from outside (peer pressure, persecution, demonic attack)?
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Read James 1:12-27. What is is that makes us sin? (vs. 12-15) What does James say is a good thing to remember when we are facing temptation. Why is this helpful?
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What are some of the good and perfect gifts that come from the “Father of Lights”? What sort of things do NOT come from God?
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How easy do you find it to obey God's word? Why does James compare people who don't obey His Word to people who look in a mirror and then forget what they look like?
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What are some of the deeds which make your faith pure and spotless? What would be the equivalent today to the examples James gives in v.27?
Vision
Again we are starting to think about reaching out from our groups to share the Good News with others. Since we are talking about faith and deeds, maybe your group could think about someone they could do something practical for in a couple of weeks time.
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- July 5, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Practical Living 1.
Tonight we start a series on Practical Christianity based on the letter of James. I hope it helps people to work through attitudes and actions and to work out how to live for Jesus in Australia in 2002.
Word
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In the last week or so, have you had to make difficult decisions in which following Jesus was not easy? How did you resolve the difficulty?
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Read James 1:1-11. What sorts of “troubles” or “trials” do we face as christians today? How do these events test and mature our faith?
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How do you handle doubts? What kind of things do you have doubts about? How does God help you get over these doubts? Is there a particular “cure” that will fix all doubts, do you think?
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Who are the “poor” in Narrabri? Who are the “rich”? In which category do you fit?
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Do you share James' ideas about rich people?
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What issues that have been raised tonight do you find challenging ?
Vision
Pray for one another to faithfully live out the gospel in the week ahead.
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- June 21, 2002
Tonight's Theme: God@Work 3: Mission at Work
Word
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Have there been opportunities at work this week to talk to people about Jesus?
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Do you normally find it easy to talk to work colleagues about faith issues? Why (or why not)?
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Do you see yourself on a "mission from God" when you go to work? Is this a helpful idea?
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Read 2 Timothy 2:1-13. Paul uses analogies from 3 different types of work to describe Christian ministry. What do these jobs teach about ministry?
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If you see your job in terms of your ministry or mission, how would you expect God to help you?
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What special needs are there at your work place in terms of people needing Jesus?
Vision
Next week we will once again be having an outreach night. It might be a good idea to think of people from your work who might be interested in coming. What are their interests? How can this group plan a night which might interest them and encourage them to come?
June 14, 2002
Tonight's Theme: God@Work 2: Serving at Work
Word
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How has God helped you in your work this past week?
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If you could use a colour to describe your attitude to your work what colour would you choose?
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Read Colossians 3:22-25. What does this passage say about our attitudes to work?
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Do you find it easy to serve your boss with your whole heart? Why?
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How does verse 24 influence what your attitude should be?
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What challenges are you facing at work? How can this group help? Pray for one another.
Vision
Think of the people you work with. What are their dreams, plans and ambitions? How can Jesus be a part of their lives? Try to imagine what they would be like as born again people. Ask Jesus to come into their lives and make them the people He wants them to be.
- June 7, 2002
Tonight's Theme: God@Work 1: Created to work
Over the next few weeks we are going to look at the connection between faith and work. Work doesn't mean just “paid” employment but includes things like work at home, parenting, voluntary work, school or other education, and of course 9 to 5.
Word
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What was the most boring experience in your life? What made it boring?
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What do you think of when you think of work?
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Read Genesis 2:1-15. In verse 2. it says that God had finished his work. Why do you think the Bible talks of creation this way? Have you ever thought of God working before?
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Why does this passage say that God created Adam?
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Do you think that we are made for work? Does this make any difference to your thoughts about your work?
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What was Adam's work? How does Adam's work relate to your work?
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In the Reformation period (late 1500's) Christian leaders often talked about work as vocation or calling. Is it possible to see your work as God's calling on your life? What difference would this idea make to you on Monday morning?
Vision
As Christians we are here to share the Good News about Jesus with people who don't know Him. For many of us, the place where we most often see non-christians is at work. Who are the people at your work who you could share the Good News with? Spend some time praying for them tonight.
May 24, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Growing in Faith- Serving Others
Word
1.If you could fly to any place in the world for two weeks' holiday, where would you go? Why?
2. What do the words "servant" and "slave" mean to you?
3.Who are people that you don't mind serving? Who are people that make you cringe at the thought of serving?
4.Read Luke 22:24-29. What do people normally think is the relationship between ruling and serving? How does Jesus turn this around?
5.In what ways did Jesus come as a servant?
6.In what ways should we follow His example?
7.Do you think that it works in real life that you get to be a leader by serving people first?
8.This discussion topic is called "Growing in Faith- Serving Others." How does serving others grow your faith?
9. Think about those people whom you don't like to serve. What is God saying you need to do for those people?
10.How can this group help you become more of a servant?
Vision
Next week we will be having our outreach night again. Spend some time talking about next week's activity. Importantly, pray for those whom you will invite.
May 17, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Growing in Faith- Hearing God
Word
1. What was the most memorable message or communication you received from another person?
2. What is your preferred means of communication? Why?
3. Have you ever heard God speak to you? How does/ did this happen?
4. Read Isaiah 6:1-13. How would you describe Isaiah's experience?
5. What was God's message to Isaiah?
6. Read 1 Kings 19:9-13. What was Elijah's experience of the Lord here?
7. Spend some time journalling. This is a way of learning to hear God's voice. Simply write out a prayer and then underneath it write what you sense God is saying in response to that prayer.
8. Pray for one another to better hear God's voice.
Vision
In two weeks' time we have scheduled another outreach time. Please, please, please try and get something together that you can invite friends to. Who are your friends? What are their interests? What can your group do to meet these people in a way that is inviting to them?
May 10, 2002
Tonight's theme: Growing In Faith- The Word
Word
1. What is your favourite part of the Bible? (Could be a whole book or just one verse). Why is this meaningful to you?
2. How do you feel when other people tell you you should read the bible?
3. Read Psalm 119:97-112. What does this teach us about God?s word?
4. In what ways is God?s word like a ?lamp that gives light wherever I walk? for you?
5. This passage talks about three ways we can relate to God?s Word:
- v. 93: ?I won?t ever forget your teachings"-- suggests memorising and learning key scriptures. What is the advantage of this, do you think?
- v. 97 ?I deeply think about your word every day.?-- suggests a daily reading of the bible and thinking about it during the day.
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v. 102 talks about the bible as a teacher-- what sort of things does the Bible teach us about which are useful for daily living?
6. It is important to obey God?s word and not just read it. What are some points where you find it difficult to do what God wants you to do? Why is it hard to do?
Vision
One of the things the Bible teaches us is that we have to share the Good News with our friends. What are some ways we can do that as individuals and as a group?
May 3, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Growing In Faith: Prayer
Word:
1. What does the word “prayer” mean to you?
2. How often do you pray? Every minute? Once a day? Only on Sunday? Only in emergencies?
3. Read Matthew 6:5-15. What is Jesus trying to teach us about prayer here?
4. If God knows what we need before we ask (v. 8), why should we pray?
5. Why do you think Jesus prefers people to pray privately rather than publicly?
6. Have a look at Jesus’ model for praying. What strikes you as being important here?
7. What is the biggest issue you have with prayer? How can this group help you?
Vision
Prayers for people to come to know Jesus are the sort God likes to answer. Spend some time praying for specific friends and family members to be saved. Also ask God to show you who you could share your testimony with or invite to come to your group.
April 19, 2002
Tonight's Theme: How To Share Your Faith
Word:
1. How do you feel when you hear the words evangelism or evangelist? Why do you feel that way?
2. What things happened to make you become a Christian?
3. Read John 9:1-33. What happened to the man when he met Jesus?
4. What did the man tell the Pharisees about?
5. When you do what this man did it’s called sharing your faith, or giving a testimony. Have you ever told a friend or someone else about your faith in Jesus? Why or why not?
6. On a piece of paper write out your testimony. It should be less than an A4 page. Here are three questions to help you plan it:
What sort of person were you before you met Jesus?
How and why did you become a Christian?
What does Jesus mean to you now?
7. Encourage people to write this out now... it doesn’t have to be a polished work of literature. Remember the man’s testimony: “I was blind but now I see!” It should be finished tonight otherwise it will get forgotten.
Vision
We have written out our testimony. Who will you share it with in the next 7 days?
Next week is ANZAC Day. Your group should have been planning an outreach event, or project for that day. What are you going to be doing?
Pray about both the personal faith sharing and outreach project.
April 12, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Water Baptism
Word:
1. What is your favourite water activity? Why?
2. What does the word baptism mean to you?
3. Ask those who have been baptised to share about their experience
4. Read Acts 2:36-42; 8:26-40. What strikes you about these passages?
5. Being saved involves 4 steps:
Repent (Turn away from sin)
Believe that Jesus is Lord and Saviour
Baptism in water
Receive the Holy Spirit
These can be remembered by the word RuBBeR
6. What do you think baptism in water is meant to represent? (Two main things should come out here: dying to our old nature and cleansing from sin).
7. Why do you think God thinks baptism is important?
8. Pray with anyone who might be thinking about wanting to be baptised. You should point out that it isn’t something that you rush into. Our policy on baptism is that potential candidates must attend a baptism class and also be approved by the Leadership Team.
Vision
As a church we will be attending the Youth Week event on Sunday. Pray for this outreach. Also mention that the groups will be planning to do some outreach around ANZAC day. What will your group be planning to do?
April 5, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Motivational Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.
Word:
What was the best thing that happened in your life since we last met?
How have you experienced God lately?
Recall that last time we talked about gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11)
Tonight we are going to talk about another list of spiritual gifts... these are called motivational gifts because they are what motivate us to do things. Read Rom. 12:4-8. Briefly explain each of the gifts, and how they work.
Read the "Pavlova Story" as an illustration of the way these gifts work. (Copies will be available on the night) Ask each person how they would react in the situation... our reactions in these situations show what our motivational gifts are.
Note Paul's point in the passage that no gifts are better than others-- we need everybody's gifts to make the church effective in its ministry.
Pray for each person to grow in their motivational gifts and in the ministries that flow from them.
Vision
Who are the non-christians we are praying for? How can we develop relationships with them? How will this group plan our next outreach meeting to meet with these people?
March 15
Tonight's Theme: Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.
Word:
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What was the most valuable gift you ever received? (no spiritual answers, yet!)
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In what areas of life would you describe yourself as "gifted"?
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Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. What do you understand by the phrase "spiritual gifts"? Where do they come from?
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What does Paul describe as spiritual gifts here (vs. 5-10)? The right answer is word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. You may need to explain what these things are and how they work. Use your own experiences to explain them.
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What do you think these gifts are for? Why would God give them to us?
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Have you experienced any of these gifts in practice?
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The Bible indicates that all Christians should be capable of allowing all of these gifts to be used as needed. Pray for one another to become more fluent in these gifts and for opportunities to use them to God's glory.
Vision
Next week our groups will be meeting individually for their outreach night. Who will your group invite? Where will you meet and what will you do?
March 8, 2002
Tonight's Theme: Baptism In The Holy Spirit.
Word:
(Note: this session is more instructive than most, but it is important to ensure that there is still lots of space for discussion, sharing and prayer.)
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Read Acts 2:1-12. What do you understand by the term Holy Spirit?
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What is your "gut reaction" to this passage of Scripture?
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If you read the rest of the story, you discover that Peter is totally transformed by this experience of the Holy Spirit. What does that tell you about the Holy Spirit?
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This experience is often called the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" or the "filling of the Holy Spirit". What do these terms mean to you?
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Ask members of the group if they have been baptised in the Spirit. Of those who answer "yes", ask them to share what happened and how they know they were baptised in the Spirit. What changes did this make in their life? It might be a good idea to share your own experiences first, if people are a little reticent.
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Pray for those who would like to be baptised in the Holy Spirit.
Vision
The outreach night is just two weeks away. Spend a little time firming up your plans and praying for those you will invite.
March 1, 2002
Tonight's Theme: How Do You Know You Are Saved?
Word:
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What are some things that you know are true but don't actually seem right at first? (e.g. the earth is spinning rapidly and actually goes around the sun, not the other way around; heavy objects do not necessarily fall faster than light objects). Can you think of other examples?
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When you are trying to make a decision do you go be what feels right or what you think is right?
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Read Romans 5:6-11. What is it that makes us acceptable to God? Is there anything that can change this?
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When you feel down, what do you do to feel better? Does it work?
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Is God changed by our feelings? Is our relationship to God changed by our feelings?
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How much does God love you? (See v.8-10)
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When you are tempted to believe that God does not love you, what can you tell yourself that might change your mind?
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There is an old illustration of this truth. If you can imagine an old steam train with an engine, a caboose (coal wagon) and a carriage, then:
The engine is the facts: Jesus died on the cross
The caboose is our faith-- it's the fuel that activated the engine
The carriage is our feelings- they don't make the train go, they are just there.
Whether you are happy or sad, it doesn't make any difference to your relationship with God... you are saved because you believe in Jesus.
Vision
Has your group decided what you are going to do for your outreach event? Make sure you decide tonight and discuss who you should invite. Pray for them by name.
Session 2: February 22
Tonight's Theme: Sin and salvation
Word
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1. What is one significant thing that has happened to you this week?
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2. How and when did you become a Christian?
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3. What do you understand by the word "sin"? Let people share their answers, and then point out that the word is an old English archery term-- it originally meant to miss the target. What extra meaning does this give to the word?
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4. Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Who has sinned? What is the result? What do you think it means when it says “Sin pays off with death?” What are the implications of this for us? For our unsaved friends?
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5. Read Romans 3:24. What is God’s promise to us here?
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6. Pray for one another. If anyone is unsure of their salvation, lead them in a prayer of commitment, if appropriate,
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Vision
One of the important tasks of our Share Group is to invite people to join us and to follow Jesus. We have seen tonight that everyone who is away from Christ is heading towards “death”, another word for Hell. This awful destiny includes our friends who do not know Jesus.
In a few weeks we will be having a special night to invite our friends along. This night will be away from the church and will involve just this group. As a group talk about who you would like to invite to such an event, and what kind of event it might be: e.g. barbecue, party, river picnic, poetry reading, disco. It’s your event, your night so start planning now.
Note: This night will be on March 22
Session 1: February 7, 2001
Theme: Getting Started
Discussion:
Share briefly your answers to the following questions.
1.Where did you live between the ages of 7 and 12 and how many brothers and sisters did you have?
2.What kind of transportation did your family use?
3.Who was the person you felt closest to?
4.When did God become more than a word to you?
Prayer:
Pray for one another, mentioning special needs. If the group is bigger than about 5 people, divide into small groups of 3 or 4.
The Vision:
Cell Groups are meant to be an important part of our church life. We want to use these groups for two main purposes:
a) We want to build each other up and encourage one another to walk closer to God. This means that we have to be committed to each other and the group. Cell groups are more than Friday nights.... we should be contacting each other during the week and building a close-knit community. It also means that we need to have sufficient commitment to one another to make these meetings a high priority.
b) We want to reach out to our community and show them God's love. This also is a critical part of our commitment to one another. During the next few weeks we will think about how we can reach our friends and neighbours. Please think creatively about this and start praying for your unsaved friends.