In the Workshop--Lesson 23--The Kingdom is Among Us--Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  Why is understanding about the Kingdom of God an important thing for us to do?  What difference does it make in your life that you are part of the Kingdom of God?

2.  With the world being in the mess it is, how can we reconcile that the Kingdom of God is upon us now?  What are some good ways to show people the Kingdom matters when they get focused upon the brokenness and pain in this world?

3.  How did the perception of the Kingdom of God bring about the death of Jesus?  How does this show us the importance of seeking out the right perspective of Kingdom in our own culture?  How much of the division we encounter today (especially in the religious world) comes from wrong perceptions of what the Kingdom of God is about?

4.  Jesus lived differently because He saw differently.  Is it possible for us to have the same perception of the Kingdom and to see differently like Jesus did?  Why, or why not?  What kinds of things do you have in your life to help you look at things differently (from a Kingdom perspective)?

5.  What does Jesus mean when He says we must repent because the Kingdom is upon us?  What areas of your life still need changing or surrendering to the King?

6.  How is our worry or anxiety like being crucified between two thieves?  What has worrying about yesterday or tomorrow accomplished in your life? 

7.  What does it mean for our righteousness to surpass that of the Pharisees?  How does one receive the Kingdom of God like a little child?  What is the significance of being born a second time of the Spirit?  How do these things enable us or hinder us from experiencing the Kingdom and the nearness of our King?

8.  Why did Jesus turn over tables at the Temple?  Are there areas in our personal lives or our corporate worship in which Jesus would act with such passion to get us to change what or how we are doing things?  What kinds of affairs from this world move us to hinder people from experiencing the closeness of the Kingdom?

In the Workshop--Lesson 22--Be My Witnesses--Luke 24; Acts 1 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  God could reveal Himself to people in any number of ways, so why does He want us to be witnesses?  What gain is there for us in being a witness for Jesus and His Kingdom ways?

2.  How many times in the last year have you shared a testimony of what Jesus has done to save you, change you, and make your life better?  If witnessing is simply knowing your story and sharing it, why does so little witnessing get done?

3.  Why does it seem easier to travel across the world to witness about Jesus than to speak about Him to the neighbors and co-workers you see all the time? 

4.  Why is being a satisfied customer a good strategy for witnessing?  Why is it not enough? 

5.  What does being a martyr have to do with providing a witness for God?  How did Jesus provide an example for this?  If Jesus is our mentor and teacher, and we are His apprentices, discuss what our responsibility is to die to ourselves so we are intentional about being a witness.

The Lion Never Sleeps--Stand Alone Sermon--I Peter 5:8-9

Discussion Questions:

1.  Why is dependence upon others an important quality?  How have you seen people spared from or rescued from attacks of the lion because they had a herd to live with?

2.  Why do people want to get as close to danger as they can?  How have you seen the lion (devil) use our propensity for this to his advantage?

3.  Are there people you can think of who have gone missing?  What should be done to rescue them or bring them back into the herd?  Whose task should it be to accomplish this?

4.  Is it encouraging or discouraging to hear that no one is immune from the attacks of the lion?  How does hearing other people’s stories of overcoming the attacks of the lion encourage you in the battles you face?  What stories from the bible or from your own life inspire you in the face of a daunting challenge?

5.  What kinds of things cause you to reach a point where you want to take on the lion and “sort it out”?  What chance do you have of overcoming standing alone in that battle?  How has God provided the weapons and tools that enable us to stand firm against the evil one; to resist the devil so he will flee from us?

6.  Did the group prayer time at the conclusion of the sermon encourage you?  Do you have people in your life you can circle up with and share the things you face?  Why is it uncomfortable for us to ask for help from those who are part of our herd?