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!!