The Acceptance

We are given choices throughout life.  God established His creation with that same foundational element: choice.  This week we will be talking about "The Acceptance" of what God says is true.  The opportunity is offered to us by God to accept or reject - what will we do?

Here are the questions for this week's break out discussion:

• What is the greatest lie ever told?
• The Apostle Paul states in Romans 7:15 (NIV) "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." How does this relate to your life and your decisions to believe what God says is true?
• Kathleen Casey Theisen is quoted as saying, "Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it." Describe when this has applied to you and what you did in response.
• After reading 1 Timothy 4:1-10, describe what "godless myths" and "old wives’ tales" played into your belief system which took you places that God had no intentions of you going.
• "Why would anyone believe a lie? Because the truth often demands painful transformations that most people are unwilling to make.", (citation: Dennis Allan). What painful transformations or adjustments have you had to make to align to God's truth?
• 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 speaks of a "lawless one", or "man of lawlessness" being revealed and ends where "God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie". What to do you think this is talking about? How do you think this will be manifested?

"To thine own self be true"
- Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 78–82

The Impediment

Though we may not consider this often, we are faced with "The Impediment" in our walk with God.  It is manifested in several ways and we'll be touching on a couple this week in our time together.

Here are the questions for this week's break out discussion:

• Samuel Johnson, the essayist and dictionary-maker of the eighteenth century, said: "Truth, sir, is a cow; which, when sceptics have found it will give them no more milk, they have gone off to milk the bull." What is this saying to you?
• Read John 18:28-40. Discuss what is happening here.
• Steve Turner wrote, "I believe that there is no absolute truth excepting the truth that there is no absolute truth." Is there such a thing as "absolute truth"? Explain your answer.
• In John 14:5-6, Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." What are some different streams of thinking on this concept? What do you believe?
• How does what we believe effect the decisions we make?
• There is thinking out there on the topic "either/or" vs. "both/and" … for example, “Is God a blessing God or a judging God?” Is this thinking that you've been exposed to before? How do you see this working in your life? 

"God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another."

- Hamlet Act 3, scene 1

The Challenge

This week we'll be continuing forward with a look at "The Challenge" aspect of our study.  We will begin to understand our decision when faced with believing what God is saying versus what we see, touch, taste, hear, and smell which seems to be contradictory.

Here are the questions for this week's break out discussion:

• Read Psalm 37:3-7. What does it mean to you to "trust", "delight", "commit", and "be still"?
• In verse 4 the term "delight" is enlarged in the Amplified Bible as "desires and secret petitions of your heart". How does your thinking change in response to this?
• Earlier in our studies on this topic, we talked about Occam's Razor, which is attributed to the 14th-century English logician, theologian and Franciscan friar Father William of Ockham. Ockham stated: "No plurality [fact or majority] should be assumed unless it can be proved (a) by reason, or (b) by experience, or (c) by some infallible authority [for example: sacred scripture]." In Ockham's view, an explanation which does not harmonize with reason, experience or the aforementioned sources cannot be considered valid. Give an example out of scripture where "reason" or "experience" were over-ridden by the Word of God.
• Where, in your life, have you relied upon the Word of God even though it may have gone against "reason" or "experience"?
• Read James 1:5-8 in a variety of translations. What is this portion of the Bible saying?
• Though this reference opens in the context of asking for wisdom, is the principle limited to that topic? Explain your thinking.
• It has been written: "Divine revelation is something which is not created by our own efforts, by our putting together thoughts conceived of using understandings based on what we've known and experienced until now. Divine revelation comes at God's initiative, not ours." Describe a life situation where you saw, heard or felt something in a particular moment that no one else seemed to experience in the same way you did.

"Nay, if our wits run the wild-goose chase, I am done"
- Romeo And Juliet Act 2, scene 4, 67–73

The Proposal (Part 2)

We're going to continue on the same topic this week as we delve deeper into The Proposal.  God has so created things that He chooses to partner with us.  In this partnership, there are responsibilities that each party has.  We'll be building more on the Ephesians 3:20 concept introduced earlier.  Here is a picture of the concept.

Here are the questions we'll be using for our break out discussion:

• How does your life align to each of these two statements: "What do you believe?" and "Do what you believe."
• How do you respond when you experience people “doing what they believe” and it’s something you can’t align with? Why?
• Mark 11:24 (NLT) states: "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours." Describe how this scripture falls in context of the Mark 11:12-26.
• 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV) talks about the concept of "[love] always trusts". What does this mean to you? How have you see this dynamic in your life?
• After reading James 2:19, how do you explain the difference between the intellectual acknowledgement of God and to believe God?
• Matthew 18:18-20 (NIV) talks, in part, about how two can agree on anything and ask for it, that it will be done. What are the conditions? Who are the parties? Do the conditions or “who” the two people are matter? Why?
• Talk about some "what if" examples where you've experienced this. Also, give some examples of where you are expectant of this happening.
• God's supply to you is partly described in Philippians 4:19. What does this mean to you in your daily living for Him?

"Whereof what's past is prologue; what to come, In yours and my discharge."
- The Tempest Act 2, scene 1, 245–254

The Proposal (Part 1)

This week as we journey further into our topic of "The Question!" of believe, we will be looking at God's proposal. Please take some time to consider the discussion questions below. Be prepared to share your thinking with others in the group.

• At various times from the late 1800's through the mid-1900's, the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" has appeared and disappeared from our US currency. Describe what you think this phrase meant to our nation then and what it means to you now. How is our nation's response different today from what you believe this phrase means?
• After reading Psalm 73:25-28 - especially, the last sentence - how has God become your shelter and what wonderful things or works has God done?
• If time, money, physical ability and any other necessary resource was available in unlimited amounts, describe what you would do.
• In Genesis 9:13-16 (NCV) it states "I am putting my rainbow in the clouds as the sign of the agreement between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and a rainbow appears in them, I will remember my agreement between me and you and every living thing. Floods will never again destroy all life on the earth. When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and I will remember the agreement that continues forever between me and every living thing on the earth." Describe what this means to you and what you think of when you see a rainbow.
• In reading Romans 4:19-25 about Abraham, Sarah and their offspring, verse 21 (NLT) states "He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." Based on what you know about Abraham and his actions, share something that might be similar in your life.
• In Woodie Guthrie's song God's Promise, there is a line: "All that I promise is strength for this day." How does this line up with what the Bible says that God promises? (Hint: see Psalm 138:3 and Matthew 6:34)
• When you consider what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says about God keeping His Word, how do you see the actual fulfillment of the promise working?
• According to Titus 1:2 (MSG) "… life without end. This is the life God promised long ago—and he doesn't break promises!", God doesn't break His promises. Briefly describe how you have been caused harm by another because of a broken promise. Have you kept all of your promises?
• How does 2 Corinthians 1:20 change your thinking on the concept of God's promises? How does it change the way respond to God's promises?
• God's supply to you is partly described in Philippians 4:19. What does this mean to you in your daily living for Him?
• It has been said that a person's promises reflect his or her character. Describe how this is true in your own life. How does this reflect God's character?

Blessings!!



"… O brave new world ..."
- The Tempest, Act 5, scene 1, 181–184

The Agreement

In our continuing exploration on "The Question!" of believe, we will be looking at agreements this week.  Please take some time to consider the discussion questions below.  Be prepared to share your thinking with others in the group.

• How close is what you believe to what you think? Explain your answer.
• How does the "heart" differ from the "mind"? How are they similar?
• On a scale from 1 to 10, with descriptors identified below, how to you rate yourself? Why?
       (10) A person who makes a snap decision.
       (5) A person who takes time and considers many angles before making a decision.
       (1) A person who seems to never make a decision, no matter how much time, information, or resources they have.
• Do you have to agree with someone for them to be right? Why or why not?
• Can you agree to disagree with man? With God? Explain your answers.
• Describe a situation where you didn't agree with God. How did it turn out?
• How many agreements can you have at one time? Explain your answer.
• Describe an agreement that you have made with God. Is the agreement fulfilled?
• How is your decision-making influenced by God?
• What is a decision you have made without considering God? How did it turn out?
• After reading James 2:19, how do you explain the difference between the intellectual acknowledgement of God and to believe God?
• It is claimed that Socrates said: "No man voluntarily pursues evil …". Describe why you agree or disagree with this.
• The latter part of Romans 14:23 states "If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (NLT)" and "If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong. (MSG)". How does this portion of scripture line up with the way you think and the way you live?

I'm looking forward to our time together!!



"… the marriage of true minds ..."
- Sonnet 116

The Contract

Ok, here we are, meeting to begin a process to evaluate our thinking on the topic of "contracts".  We'll be spending some time on this topic over the next couple of weeks, so don't worry that you'll miss something as we dig into this concept.

Below are the questions which will be used during our small group breakout.

• In your understanding, what is a legal contract?
• What are the elements of a contract?
• How many parties are involved in a simple contract?
• What validates a contract?
• What is a breach of a contract?
• What constitutes a breach of a contract?
• Who commits the breach of a contract?
• The Bible speaks of an Old and a New Testament. What does this mean to you personally?
• What does one have to do acquire faith?
• Does the unbeliever have faith?

I'm so excited to continue our discovery on this whole topic.  We've talked about the scripture in Romans 12 about "changing the way you think".  Another scripture to consider is Proverbs 4:23 (NCV) "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life."

 

"I'll not budge an inch ... "
- The Taming of the Shrew

The Question!

OK!  Here we are again, getting ready to start another season of growth in our journey with Jesus!  I'd like to welcome back those who have been in this group before.  Additionally, I'd like to welcome those who are new!  First, a little background - this will be old news to the prior attendees: This group is all about getting the Bible out of the box - both literally and figuratively. We challenge our thinking using a combination of the Bible, questions, and discussion. We actively pursue the Bible in "changing the way you think" - Romans 12:2 (NLT).

Our subject title for this season will be "The Question!" ... to adapt that well known quote in William Shakespeare's Hamlet: "To believe, or not to believe: that is the question!"  Our challenge of walking as a Christian while on this earth, is to believe or not to believe that what God says is true.

I have a emerging conviction that believe and faith differ.  And, as we'll discover together, I think it is in the action part of our response.  We'll be digging deeper into what it is to believe and what it will take to put the verb back into faith.  So, hang on to your feather quill and let the discovery begin!!

Our first time together this season will be Monday, October 4, 2010, 6:00pm for dinner followed by the meeting beginning at 7:00pm.  The menu is to be determined, but please bring a salad or dessert to share with the group.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (via email, or via comment to this blog).

With bated breath!

It Is Finished! (But, Wait!! There's More Fun Activities)

THANK YOU!!!
First of all, we thank each of you for joining the Bible: Out Of The Box small group this season. You have contributed a significant and eternal element to other people's lives. Reading the Heaven book has given us an opportunity to challenge our thinking and lives both for the near term and the long term. We each cause a "ripple effect" upon every person we contact during our earthly journey. Make a BIG splash in life!

Second, we again thank you for the precious gifts you have given us. Though they are very nice and we will treasure them, they pale in comparison to the gifts each of you are to us and the impact you've each had in our lives. We are blessed and better people because of you.

Finally, here is a list of the "fun activities" which have been selected by the group. All are invited and more information will be sent out (I am more than happy to assist in passing along any email information you'd like to the group members - please send me the email and instructions). Thanks to the folks organizing these activities!!

June

• Hubble 3D at Pacific Science Center (TBD) :: Mike/Cindy
• Lunch And A Movie (TBD) :: Lori/Chuck

July

• Concert In Pioneer Park (July 8th) :: Jessica
• BBQ And A Movie (July 24th?) :: Mike/Cindy

August

• Bonfire (TBD) :: Sara
• Game Night (TBD) :: Peggy/Warren

God Bless each of you and the Jesus Journey you walk with Him!!

"The Ripple Effect" (May 10 - Chapters 44 thru 46)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• Do you experience joy in using your knowledge, skills, services, and products to help and please others? Why or why not?
• The author has challenged our thinking a number of times during this book on the topic of separating those things which are part of the Curse from those which are not part of the Curse. How has your thinking changed on this? Describe how you have been able to distinguish between the two in your world.
• Will there be new inventions or refinements of old inventions? Why or why not?
• Realizing the author is attempting to stretch our concepts and boundaries of thought, he states the following: "God hasn't exhausted His creative resources. He never will … I anticipate an eternity of delight in watching and discovering what He creates to reveal more of Himself to us." Share your reaction to these statements in regard to space/time travel and other, non-earthly life in creation.
• In the last chapter, there is a section called, "Questions In Light Of Heaven", select two questions from that list and share your thinking with the group.

Come prepared with suggestions for summer fun activities - we'll list and multi-vote on them!!

"When You Painted On Earth" (May 3 - Chapters 41 thru 43)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• When people (you, perhaps?) talk about Eternity being boring … from where do you suppose this thinking originates? Please give an example.
• How does a boring Heaven reflect upon God as being boring?
• Other world religions have a concept of Heaven (Eternity). Share an example of that concept, either from personal knowledge or through knowledge shared by another person.
• How does that concept of Heaven compare with what the author is portraying?
• The author states, "Every day on the New Earth will be a new opportunity to live out the dreams that matter most." What activity, task, or dream are you looking forward to doing in Eternity?
• Discuss, as a group, the differences/similarities of the "lifeboat" theology vs the "ark" theology.
• Discuss, as a group, the concepts of entertainment, arts, sports, etc. in Eternity. Specifically, if they will exist or not. Explain your answer.
• The author states, "God wired us this way" in describing various activities we'd experience in Eternity. He further states, "We were made to live vibrant lives." Describe what this looks like to you and how it may differ from another person's understanding.

PLUS ULTRA

Blessings!!!

Dr. Doolittle: "You talkin' to me?" (April 26 - Chapters 38 thru 40)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• The author talks about the ethnic diversity in the New Jerusalem and how it will be united by a common worship of Jesus. What does this look like to you?
• How does the statement "racism is not only an injustice toward people, but also a rejection of God's very nature" differ in reality in today's world versus Eternity?
• In regard to racism, how does the dynamic of a "unifying loyalty to the King Jesus" affect what our world could be like now and into Eternity?
• Discuss what Acts 17:26 means to you in regard to the existence of different races.
• How does the diversity of nations, languages, and cultures testify of God's own diversity and bring Him glory?
• What is the significance of God's preservation of the animals from the flood during Noah's time?
• Proverbs 12:10 (NLT) states how the "godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals." What does this mean today as well as Eternity? Who do the animals belong to? (See Psalm 50:10-11 NLT) Why is this important?
• Do you think that Adam and Eve regarded animals differently than we do today? Why is this important?
• We've talked about Romans 1:20 and the invisible qualities of God being clearly seen in creation. How does God's invisible qualities manifest themselves in the animals He created?
• What are your thoughts of expressing grief over the loss of a pet? Please explain your thinking about the attachment people have to a pet and whether it's a result of Creation or the sin factor.
• Would you like to see pets in Eternity? Why or why not?

Blessings!!

Hey - I Know You!! (April 19 - Chapters 34 thru 37)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• The author uses Genesis 2:18 as a basis of there being human relationships in Heaven. How do you see this scripture relating to that? Do you agree/disagree with the author? Why?
• There are at least two ways in which it is not good for (hu)man to be alone - they are "loneliness" and "self-centeredness". Why is God concerned about either/both of these?
• Of the people you've known on this Earth, who are you looking forward to seeing in Heaven? Why?
• Out of all of the people in history, if they were in Heaven, who is one person you would like to meet and become friends with? Why?
• In Mark 10:29-30, Jesus refers to a "big family" containing brothers, sisters, etc. How has this impacted your life in this present world? How might it impact your life in the world to come?
• What is the eternal purpose of close relationships (like marriage)?
• How has your thinking changed, regarding relationships in eternity, after reading this book?
• What excites you about continuing to pursue and develop relationships in eternity? Likewise, what, if anything, scares you about it?
• What disturbs us about losing people we currently love to eternal seperation from God (hell)? Why?
• How does our perspective differ from God's truth about Hell and what His creation deserves? How does this compare to 2 Peter 3:9?
• The author states, "Not all disagreement is rooted in sin." Explain how you may agree or disagree with this statement.
• What is your thinking about individualism (skills, name, possessions, etc.) compared to a socialistic mindset (everything belongs to everybody, everybody is like everybody else)?

Blessings!!!

So let it be written, so let it be done (April 12 - Chapters 31 thru 33)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• The author describes the freedom of choice God has, yet cannot sin. How might that look in your life now and in Eternity?
• What is the most basic requirement in humanity that would allow freedom of choice without sin?
• Describe what resurrection means to you.
• Both the Bible and the author cite the fact that only God is omniscient (knows everything). What does "knowing everything" for us, as humans, really mean?
• How long would it take to learn everything about our current viewable creation? How much longer will it take to learn of the creation we cannot yet see?
• The author says, "What [God] wants to stop is what prevents us from learning." What things are preventing you from learning currently?
• We've heard the statement (perhaps even used it ourselves as an excuse), "But, we're only human." The author makes the bold statement, "If anything, sin makes us less human." Describe how this changes your thinking on the impact of sin on humanity.
• It has been said, "Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people." When the author talks about the "fertile, curious minds" that God made us with, what does that look like to you?
• When the author talks about books and documents being kept by God, what does this evoke in you about your life? About another person's life?
• Ecclesiastes 12:12 (NLT) states "… for writing books is endless ..." Since we won't have Kindles in Heaven (or, will we?), how do you see the importance of books and documents in Eternity?
• Talking about homes, land, friends, and work, the author talks about the eternal similarity to what we experience here on Earth. How do you see your daily life in Eternity being the same or different?

Blessings!!!

Love God And Do As You Please (April 5 - Chapters 28 thru 30)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• Take a few minutes each and describe one or more of the following: your personality traits, gifts, passions, preferences, and interests.
• As a group, discuss the similarities or dissimilarities represented within the group.
• What is the benefit of the dissimilarities?
• What emotions do you express now that you'd like to see continue in you in Heaven?
• How is your thinking challenged when the author states: "What we should do will at last be identical with what we want to do."
• Augustine states in his book (The City of God): "[The body] shall be of that size which it either had attained or should have attained in the flower of its youth." What does this mean to you today as well as your future in the New Earth? For example: Will we be the same age as when we passed from this life to eternity or will we be an ideal age? (Remember, Adam and Eve weren't children when God created them.)
• What is your thinking about having new abilities (such as flying, or under water diving without equipment)?
• When you are presented with the concept of having a perfect body and perfect mind, what does this look like to you?
• Genesis documents at the end of each day of creation that God said, "It is good". Additionally, the author states that no aspect of our God-created physiology (physical and chemical processes or functions) can be bad. How do you see our resurrected bodies working? For example: hunger, eating, etc.
• If you could only have one food item in eternity, what would it be? Why?
• In past weeks, we talked about "meat". Given what this week's chapter talks about on this subject, how do you like what the author presented (either fully vegetarian, or God will provide "meat" in a way that doesn't require the death of an animal)?
• With what has been covered thus far in the book, how has your thinking changed? Are you more solid in what you believed prior to starting this book? Or, are you open to change on the topic of Heaven?

Blessings!!

More Like The Real Thing (March 29 - Chapters 23 thru 27)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• This is a repeat question from our first session: How important is "imagination" (based on truth) in forming our understanding of Heaven? Why? (dictionary.com: "the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses")
• What attributes of the present creation would you like to see on the New Earth? Why?
• In each of the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) describe what your BEST day's activities would include. For example, "During a sunny winter's day, I would curl up in front of a warm, cozy fire with a cup of hot cocoa, and read my favorite type of book."
• When the author talks about the New Jerusalem as the capital city of the New Earth, what do you like and/or dislike about the concept of such a city?
• What do you understand about the purpose of the Tree of Life and its need both in Eden and the New Earth?
• The author, while talking about a first-class upgrade on an airplane, makes reference to the "liabilities of economy class are removed in first class, but the assets aren't" … how does this idea play in your thinking on the transition of God's creation from the "old" to the "new"?
• What is your thinking on the opposing concepts of space and time being non-existent versus its continuation?
• As a group, discuss the varying aspects of the New Heaven/New Earth and the sun, moon, stars, oceans, seas, weather, etc.
• Psalm 37:4 talks about being given the desires of your heart. What desires do you expect to receive and what are the conditions to receive them? Relate them to the New Heaven and New Earth.
• Is there anything else from the chapters this week that you'd like to comment on?

Blessings!!

Revisionist Ruling (March 22 - Chapters 20 thru 22)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• Read Genesis 1. What is the singular "stand out" point of this chapter? Why? (Hint: in some translations it is repeated up to seven times.)
• As a group, create a list of "worldly" things and "earthly" things. Using scripture, how would you describe the difference between them?
• Discuss why "land" is so important in God's creation … read Genesis 12:1-7 as the basis of your discussion.
• Based on Genesis 1:28, describe the role that humanity was created to be. Be flamboyant in your description and discussion.
• How do the words "take charge", "rule", "subdue", "govern", and "authority" play in your imagination about the original creation and the re-creation?
• Where Isaiah 9:7 talks about the "increase of His government", what are your thoughts about an "ever-expanding" universe with new worlds being created?
• The author states (page 218, or page 226 revised) that "we would exercise the creativity, imagination, intellect, and skills" that would manifest God's attributes. Contrasting your current state (sinful, yet being redeemed) and your fully redeemed state, how does what the author states work in your thinking?

Blessings!!

To Be, Or, Not To See … That Is The Question! (March 15 - Chapters 17 thru 19)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm getting more excited as we delve further into this topic and begin to press our own personal boundaries, both present and future.

• In the 1871 published book "The Happiness of Heaven", the story is told of a blind, destitute orphan boy being taken in by kindhearted king as his son. At age 20, the boy's sight is returned via surgery. Imagine being blind for 20 years and then receiving sight … describe your personal experience and response.
• Using the concept of "sight restored", describe what it will be like to see God face-to-face?
• Romans 1:20 NLT says "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." As a group, create a list of "invisible qualities" of God. How do these qualities help you personally begin to understand what Heaven, or being present with God, will be like?
• Describe a few hindrances you have that keep you from imagining what seeing God face-to-face will be like. Of these hindrances, what do you need to "own" versus what you can attribute to Satan putting in your way? During your group prayer time, ask God to help you remove and overcome these hindrances.
• What does "worship" mean to you?
• After reading Revelation 5:11-14, discuss as a group what aspects of individual and corporate worship you've enjoyed, not enjoyed, want more of, and want less of.
• Read Hebrews 10:25 and as a group discuss the various ways we meet together and describe what we do when we meet.
• How might the interaction on earth between Christians be the same or different than what will take place in Heaven?

Blessings!!

Hmmm, What's In Store?? (March 8 - Chapters 14 thru 16)

I'm still waiting for direction from God on the course He'd like to take on Monday. Until then, please read through the assigned chapters for this week and be prepared for His plan!!

Blessings!!

Let The Games Begin!! (March 1 - Chapters 11 thru 13)

We'll be changing things up this week … in addition to rotating small group members, we'll be having a little friendly team competition! There will be prizes for each member of the winning team, so let's come prepared to WIN!

Competition Rules:

• Read the chapters for the week as the competition questions will come from the book.
• Alternately, each team will be presented with a question.
• For each correct answer, the team gets 1 point.  The team with the most points wins!
• There will be tie-breaker questions as well and they probably won't be easy. :)
• The prize each member of the winning team will receive is a secret, but it's real.

Blessings!!

Back To The Future (February 22 - Chapters 8 thru 10)

Below is a list of questions for the group sharing time. Generally speaking, you'll have a few minutes to share your thoughts and perspective for each question and still allow others to share theirs.

• The author cites another book phrase "homesick for Eden". Explain your understanding of the connection between what Eden was like before the fall to what Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT states "… He has planted eternity in the human heart …".
• Using the "Three Eras Of Mankind And Earth" chart on pages 82-85, select three sets of "Past | Present | Future" points and share why they strike you as new information that will change your thinking about Heaven.
• Given that the words "restored", "renewed", "redemption" have some similarities in definition, how do you understand and explain the importance of the restoration of the Earth? List other things that will be restored in God's creation. How does the Earth's restoration relate to the restoration of the items on your list? Is there something wrong with the idea of disposing of everything and starting over? Why?
• To the best of your ability, describe what the Garden of Eden was like - include elements of plants, animals, humankind, God, etc. and their interaction. How will the "re-linkage" of Earth and Heaven relate to, and, be like, the Garden of Eden. How will it differ?
• Describe the relationship of the curse on mankind and the resulting curse on the Earth (Genesis 3:17). What have been the effects of the curse upon mankind and his existence? Describe what happens when the bible in Revelation 22:3 says "no more curse"?
• In the book "Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview", the author, Albert Wolters, states "Redemption in Jesus Christ reaches just as far as the fall". Describe what this means to you.
• Imagine yourself at the deathbed of a loved one, how would you answer these two questions when asked: What is Heaven like? How can I know that I'll be going there?

 Blessings!!

This vs That vs The Other (February 15 - Chapters 5 thru 7)

Below is a list of questions ... the first one is a "required" question to share your thinking with the group. Along with it, please select two additional questions, of your choice, for the group sharing time. Generally speaking, you'll have a few minutes for each question to share your thoughts and perspective and still allow others to share theirs.

• Required: How does the author's presentation of the "temporary nature" of the present Heaven differ from what you think Heaven is?
• How does the illustration of your "flight to Santa Barbara" change your understanding of the present Heaven and the eternal Heaven?
• Describe the difference between the "judgment of faith" and the "judgment of works". Upon which are you relying? Why?
• The author coins the term Christoplatonism and defines it as "an unbiblical belief that the spirit realm is good and the material world is bad". How might your thinking be influenced by the concept of Christoplatonism?
• What does giving an "account of your life" using an "improved mind" to receive "eternal rewards" mean to you and how does it change who you are today?
• The author offers thinking about those in Heaven knowing what is going on here on Earth. What are your thoughts about those in Heaven knowing what you're doing? Describe what it would be like to be in Heaven and knowing what is taking place here on Earth.

Blessings!!

Let The Learning Begin! (Chapters 1 thru 4)

Well, as we approach our first meeting, we should be at a point of either reading the first assignment or, perhaps, even finished with it. My intention is to get a series of questions posted early enough so that you can consider them during your book time. The purpose for sharing your thoughts to the questions is less about "having the right answer" and more about learning from others and sharing with others. If we can enter into this topic with an attitude that I know a little and the other person knows a little, we'll leave each session having learned something.

Below is a list of questions ... the first one is a "required" question to share your thinking with the group. Along with it, please select two additional questions, of your choice, for the group sharing time. Generally speaking, you'll have a few minutes for each question to share your thoughts and perspective and still allow others to share theirs.

• Required: In sixty seconds or less, describe what you imagined Heaven to be like BEFORE starting this book.
• How much time per day do you think about Heaven? Why? Share some Heaven thoughts you consider.
• Explain how you might be influenced by "naturalism" (dictionary.com: "the view of the world that takes account only of natural elements and forces, excluding the supernatural or spiritual").
• How important is "imagination" (based on truth) in forming our understanding of Heaven? Why? (dictionary.com: "the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses")
• How would you practice setting your heart and mind on Heaven? (Colossians 3:1-2 MSG or NLT)
• Explain how you understand Hell differently now that you've been reminded of what Jesus said about it. Add to your explanation any thoughts about the author's comment: "Hell is not Heaven's equal opposite".

I'm looking forward to our time and learning together!

Blessings!!

Book Study: Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Happy New Year to all! I'm so excited about starting our 2010 Season 1 small group meetings. Here is the meeting information:

Begins Monday, February 8th
6:00pm-7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm-8:30pm Meeting
(If needed, contact me for location)

Topic Study
As far as topics go, we had two books suggested and each book deals with a topic that can influence our present world view. Of the two books suggested, I've selected the book called "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. My reasoning for this was due to its broader scope dealing with our future and how it impacts our present and the people with which we have influence. However, the book is quite a heavy read and will require some dedicated time each week to read and be prepared to have a small group discussion. Now, I don't want to cause any undue concern, but at the same time, I wish to encourage us to challenge ourselves and deepen our roots in keeping with our 2010 Word Of The Year: Discipleship. A definition for discipleship, as it's based upon the word disciple, would be "a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; a follower", for example a disciple of Jesus Christ.

This is the first time this small group has done a book study, so we'll see how it works out. My caution for ever doing a book study is that "the book" can sometimes override "The Book" (aka the Bible). However, I am confident that, based on what I've heard about "Heaven", we'll be exposed to a lot of Bible. Additionally, Randy Alcorn, the author, specifically states in his Preface that, based on biblical grounds he is "open to correction - in fact, I seek it …". Given this, and our own personal charge by the Apostle Paul to be like the Bereans who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11), we will be well served through this book in our growth journey with Jesus.


Reading/Study schedule
(average of ~35 pages a week; 5 pages a day; 1 page every 4.8 hours):

• Monday, February 8 - Chapters 1 thru 4
• Monday, February 15 - Chapters 5 thru 7
• Monday, February 22 - Chapters 8 thru 10
• Monday, March 1 - Chapters 11 thru 13
• Monday, March 8 - Chapters 14 thru 16
• Monday, March 15 - Chapters 17 thru 19
• Monday, March 22 - Chapters 20 thru 22
• Monday, March 29 - Chapters 23 thru 27
• Monday, April 5 - Chapters 28 thru 30
• Monday, April 12 - Chapters 31 thru 33
• Monday, April 19 - Chapters 34 thru 37
• Monday, April 26 - Chapters 38 thru 40
• Monday, May 3 - Chapters 41 thru 43
• Monday, May 10 - Chapters 44 thru 46

Prior to each week's meeting, I will post a series of questions on the blog for you to consider during your reading/study time. This will help us in our overall group discussion.


Purchasing the book
I have no affiliation with, nor compensation by, Amazon.

If you have any questions, please comment back. I look forward to the journey with you!


Blessings!!